deb (n.)

slang shortening of debutante, by 1920 (Fitzgerald). The derived sub-deb is attested by 1917.

Entries linking to deb

1801, "female stage actress making her first public performance," from fem. of French debutant, noun use of present participle of débuter "to make the first strike" (in billiards, etc.), from debut (see debut). In reference to a young woman making her first appearance in society, from 1817.

sub-deb (n.)

"girl who will soon 'come out;'" hence, "girl in her mid-teens," 1917, from sub- + deb.

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updated on July 08, 2018

Definitions of deb from WordNet

deb (n.)

a young woman making her debut into society;

Synonyms: debutante

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

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