Ripped vs. Stripped: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 23, 2024
"Ripped" often refers to something torn or a well-defined physique, while "stripped" means something that has been removed or taken away, such as paint or clothing.
Key Differences
"Ripped" commonly describes something that has been torn or split apart. It can also refer to a person having a well-defined, muscular body. For example, a piece of paper can be ripped, or a bodybuilder can be described as ripped. "Stripped," on the other hand, indicates the removal of a layer or item. It is used to describe something from which coverings, parts, or accessories have been removed. For instance, paint can be stripped from a wall, or someone can be stripped of their rank or title.
In terms of physical objects, "ripped" often suggests damage or destruction, whereas "stripped" implies a deliberate removal process. A ripped shirt is one that has been accidentally torn, while a stripped car is one that has had parts deliberately removed.
When discussing human physique, "ripped" refers to someone with well-defined muscles, whereas "stripped" would not be used in this context. Saying someone is stripped might imply they are bare or without clothing, which carries a different connotation.
"Ripped" can also be used informally to describe a state of intoxication or extreme excitement. This usage does not apply to "stripped," which maintains its focus on the concept of removal or deprivation.
In literary or artistic contexts, a "ripped" storyline or artwork may suggest intense emotions or dramatic events, while a "stripped" narrative or piece might imply simplicity and minimalism.
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Comparison Chart
General Definition
Torn or having well-defined muscles
Having layers or parts removed
Physical Objects
Suggests damage or a tear
Indicates deliberate removal
Human Physique
Describes a muscular body
Implies being bare or without clothing
Informal Usage
Intoxicated or extremely excited
Not used in this context
Artistic/Literary Use
Intense, dramatic
Simple, minimalistic
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Ripped and Stripped Definitions
Ripped
Intoxicated or extremely excited.
He was so ripped after the party.
Stripped
Having layers or coverings removed.
The walls were stripped of their old wallpaper.
Ripped
Torn apart or split.
The page was ripped out of the book.
Stripped
Reduced to essential elements.
The story was stripped down to its core message.
Ripped
Displaying raw emotion or intensity.
The film's ripped narrative captivated the audience.
Stripped
Completely bare or naked.
The trees were stripped of their leaves after the storm.
Ripped
Having well-defined muscles.
The bodybuilder's physique was incredibly ripped.
Stripped
Having parts taken off.
The abandoned car was found stripped of its wheels.
Ripped
Having an extremely defined physique; toned
Ripped, bulging muscles.
Stripped
To remove clothing or covering from
Stripped the beds.
Ripped
Intoxicated by alcohol or a drug.
Stripped
To remove or take off (clothing or covering)
Stripped off his shirt.
Ripped
Simple past tense and past participle of rip
Stripped
To remove an exterior coating, as of paint or varnish, from
Stripped the cabinets.
Ripped
Torn, either partly or into separate pieces.
Stripped
To remove the leaves from the stalks of (tobacco, for example).
Ripped
Pulled away from forcefully.
Stripped
To clear of a natural covering or growth; make bare
Strip a field.
Ripped
In data storage, transferred to a hard disk from another portable media form.
Stripped
To deprive of possessions, office, rank, privileges, or honors; divest
The court stripped him of his property.
Ripped
Copied or stolen usually from an identified source.
Stripped
To rob of wealth or property; plunder or despoil
Stripped the palace of its treasures.
Ripped
(bodybuilding) Having extremely low bodyfat content so that the shape of the underlying muscles become pronounced. Said especially of well-defined abdominal muscles.
Stripped
To remove equipment, furnishings, or accessories from
They stripped down the car to reduce its weight.
Ripped
(slang) Drunk, inebriated.
Stripped
To remove nonessential detail from; reduce to essentials
The director stripped down her style of filmmaking.
Ripped
Severely damaged.
The jeans were completely ripped at the knees.
Stripped
To dismantle (a firearm, for example) piece by piece.
Stripped
To damage or break the threads of (a screw, for example) or the teeth of (a gear).
Stripped
To draw and discard the first drops of milk from the udder of (a cow or goat, for example) at the start of milking.
Stripped
To draw the last drops of milk from the udder of (a cow or goat, for example) at the end of milking.
Stripped
To extract the milt or roe from (a live fish).
Stripped
To draw in (a fishing line) by hand, as between casts with a fly rod.
Stripped
To mount (a photographic positive or negative) on paper to be used in making a printing plate.
Stripped
To undress completely.
Stripped
To perform a striptease.
Stripped
To fall away or be removed; peel
The wallpaper strips away easily.
Stripped
To cut or tear into strips.
Stripped
A striptease.
Stripped
A long narrow piece, usually of uniform width
A strip of paper.
Strips of beef.
Stripped
A long narrow region of land or body of water.
Stripped
A comic strip.
Stripped
An airstrip.
Stripped
An area, as along a busy street or highway, that is lined with a great number and variety of commercial establishments.
Stripped
Made of strips.
Stripped
Simple past tense and past participle of strip
Stripped
Having only essential or minimal features;
A stripped new car
A stripped-down budget
Stripped
Having extraneous everything removed including contents;
The bare walls
The cupboard was bare
Stripped
With clothing stripped off
Stripped
Deprived of possessions or status.
He was stripped of his title after the scandal.
FAQs
Can "ripped" mean intoxicated?
Yes, it can mean being very drunk or high.
How is "ripped" used in fitness contexts?
It describes a person with very defined muscles.
What does "ripped" mean when referring to clothing?
"Ripped" means the clothing is torn or has holes.
How is "stripped" used in a legal context?
It refers to being deprived of status or rights.
What does "stripped" mean in home renovation?
It means removing layers such as paint or wallpaper.
Does "ripped" have any slang meanings?
Yes, it can also mean very excited or enthusiastic.
What does "stripped" imply when referring to a story?
It suggests a simplified, minimalistic approach.
Can "ripped" be used for non-physical objects?
Yes, it can describe intense elements in stories or emotions.
Can "ripped" refer to emotions?
Yes, it can describe intense, raw emotions.
Is "stripped" ever used to describe people?
Yes, it can mean someone is bare or naked.
Can "ripped" describe damage other than tearing?
Yes, it can refer to severe damage in general.
What does "stripped" mean in terms of rights?
It means having rights taken away.
What does "stripped" mean in the context of machinery?
It means parts have been removed.
Does "stripped" have any legal implications?
Yes, it can mean losing legal rights or status.
What is the artistic meaning of "ripped"?
It suggests something intense or emotionally charged.
How does "ripped" differ from "torn"?
"Ripped" often suggests a more severe or complete tear.
Is "ripped" used in the context of physical strength?
Yes, it can describe someone who is very strong.
Is "stripped" ever positive?
It can be, implying purity or simplicity.
What does "ripped" mean in terms of paper?
It means the paper is torn or cut apart.
Can "stripped" refer to clothing?
Yes, it means clothing has been removed.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
