Green’s Dictionary of Slang

excellent! wonderful!

1848		Sam Sly 9 Dec. 4/1: ‘Wenus’ exhibited her ponderous proportions, to the intense delight of those present, who, in their enthusiasm, exclaimed—‘Stunning,’ ‘Ripping,’ ‘Crikey,’ and such like rapturous phrases.
1886		M.E. Kennard Girl in the Brown Habit I 11: ‘Ripping!’ responded Dicky, laconically, but in tones of equal commendation.
1897		Kipling ‘Slaves of the Lamp — Part I’ in Complete Stalky & Co. (1987) 56: Rippin’! Rippin’! Now for the Widow’s scene with the Princess. Hurry up, Turkey.
1909		‘O. Henry’ Roads of Destiny 342: ‘Ripping,’ says the swell young man.
1929		(con. c.1904) J.B. Booth London Town 266: ‘Ripping!’ cried Hocheimer.
1936		‘Banjo’ Paterson Shearer’s Colt 91: What ho, Fitz! By Jove! Rippin’! I’ve got a most frightful job! Positively awful!
1988		Viz Oct./Nov. 29: Ripping! I’ll get the bikes!