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the interweb

the interweb

9.8
An informal joking name for the internet
  • noun
  • /ðə ˈɪntərˌwɛb/
  • Texting
translation icon : la red
  • She bought that vintage dress she loved after finding it on the interweb.

Examples

  • Rumors and memes tend to spread quickly across the interweb these days.

  • Have you seen that meme on the interweb?

  • People often joke about getting lost on the interweb when they browse random sites for hours.

  • I found the recipe on the interwebs.

  • I found a hilarious video on the interweb that made me laugh out loud.

  • Many people share their art and music on the interweb to reach a wider audience.

  • If you're looking for information, the best place to start is on the interweb.

Synonyms

web
vsthe interweb
  • Texting
659 1.0

The system of linked pages and information on the internet

is a playful informal name for the whole network not only documents
Internet
vsthe interweb
  • Texting
597 1.6

A worldwide network that connects computers so people and businesses can share information

is a humorous informal label rather than a formal technical name
interwebs
vsthe interweb
  • Slang
1 9.5

A joking, informal word for the internet

is the singular colloquial variant of that same informal expression
intertubes
vsthe interweb
  • Slang
9.9

A joking word for the internet that people use to make fun of those who do not know computers

is simply playful or informal without the mocking or ironic tone

How Informal

the interweb
  • Texting
9.8
net
  • Texting
169 2.7
web
  • Texting
659 1.0
Internet
  • Texting
999 1.0

Surface Forms

the interweb singular
the interwebs plural

Morphology

the + interwebs

The phrase simply denotes the internet using a playful formation: 'interweb(s)' is a transparent blend of 'inter-' and 'web' and 'the' is just the definite article, so the overall meaning ('the internet' in a humorous register) is directly recoverable from the parts. A B1 learner who knows the constituents ('web'/'internet' or the playful form 'interwebs') will readily infer this informal meaning.

Etymology

The noun the interweb is a joking blend of internet and web that was made to sound playful or a little silly. So the interweb is used to mean 'the internet' in a funny, informal way.