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poor dab

A Welsh English expression of sympathy meaning 'poor thing' — used to express pity or compassion for someone in an unfortunate situation.

ˌpʊə(ɹ) ˈdæb157 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A Welsh English expression of sympathy meaning 'poor thing' — used to express pity or compassion for someone in an unfortunate situation. The word 'dab' is a Welsh English term of endearment or sympathy, giving the phrase a distinctly Welsh flavour.

'She's had to cancel her holiday because of the surgery.' — 'Oh, poor dab.'
Origin: From Welsh English 'dab' (a term of endearment or sympathy) + 'poor' (unfortunate); a distinctively Welsh English expression of compassion. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(Wales) poor thing.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(Wales) Someone to be pitied, poor thing.

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