Origin of dig

1
1275–1325; Middle English diggen, perhaps representing an OE derivative of dīc ditch; Middle French diguer to dig (< Middle Dutch) is attested later and apparently not the immediate source

British Dictionary definitions for dig up (1 of 2)

Dig
/ (dɪɡ) /

noun

NZ informal short for Digger (def. 1)

British Dictionary definitions for dig up (2 of 2)

dig
/ (dɪɡ) /

verb digs, digging or dug

noun

See also dig in, digs

Word Origin for dig

C13 diggen, of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases with dig up

dig up

1

Search out, find, obtain, as in I'm sure I can dig up a few more supporters. [Mid-1800s]

2

dig up some dirt or the dirt. Find derogatory information about someone or something. For example, The editor assigned him to dig up all the dirt on the candidates. The slangy use of the noun dirt for “embarrassing or scandalous information” dates from about 1840, but this metaphoric expression is a century newer.