What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dagger
Example
The assassin drew his dagger and prepared to strike. [dagger: noun]
Example
She felt the dagger of betrayal pierce her heart. [dagger: metaphorical]
shiv
Example
He was attacked in prison with a shiv made from a toothbrush. [shiv: noun]
Example
The thief threatened the victim with a shiv to hand over their wallet. [shiv: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dagger is a more common term than shiv in everyday language, as it has a longer history and wider range of contexts. Shiv is a slang term that is more commonly used in criminal or prison contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dagger and shiv?
Dagger is a more formal term that can be used in various formality levels, while shiv is a slang term associated with informal or criminal contexts and is not appropriate for formal situations.
