- rib (n.)
- Old English ribb "rib," from Proto-Germanic *rebja- (cf. Old Norse rif, Old Frisian ribb, Old High German ribba, German Rippe), literally "a covering" (of the chest), from PIE *rebh- "to roof, cover" (cf. Old Church Slavonic rebro "rib"). Rib joint "brothel" is slang from 1943, probably in reference to Adam's rib (cf. rib "woman, wife," attested from 1580s).
- rib (v.)
- "tease, fool," 1930, apparently from rib (n.); perhaps as a figurative suggestion of poking someone in the ribs. Related: Ribbed; ribbing.