What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barbing
Example
I need to go barbing to get my hair trimmed. [barbing: verb]
Example
He is an expert in barbing and can give you a stylish haircut. [barbing: noun]
shaving
Example
He shaved his beard off for a fresh look. [shaved: past tense]
Example
She prefers shaving her legs to waxing. [shaving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaving is more commonly used than barbing in everyday language. Shaving is a routine activity for many people, while barbing is a term more commonly used in the context of barbershops or professional hair styling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barbing and shaving?
While shaving can be used in both formal and informal contexts, barbing is more specific to the profession of a barber and is often used in a more informal or casual setting.