twerp

twerp
twerp (n.) of unknown origin; the "Dictionary of American Slang" gives a first reference of 1874 (but without citation), which, if correct, would rule out the usual theory that it is from the proper name of T.W. Earp, a student at Oxford c.1911, who kindled wrath "in the hearts of the rugger-playing stalwarts at Oxford, when he was president of the Union, by being the last, most charming, and wittiest of the 'decadents.' " [Rawson]

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • twerp — [twə:p US twə:rp] n informal a person who you think is stupid or annoying …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • twerp — [ twɜrp ] noun count INFORMAL a stupid person …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • twerp — ► NOUN informal ▪ a silly or annoying person. ORIGIN of unknown origin …   English terms dictionary

  • twerp — [twʉrp] n. [ult. < ? or akin to Dan tver, perverse: for IE base see THWART] Slang a person regarded as insignificant, contemptible, presumptuous, ridiculous, etc …   English World dictionary

  • twerp — noun a) A fool, a twit. Now youve broken it, you twerp! b) A small or puny person; one regarded as insignificant, contemptible. Get out of my way, you little twerp! Syn: twit, git …   Wiktionary

  • twerp — UK [twɜː(r)p] / US [twɜrp] noun [countable] Word forms twerp : singular twerp plural twerps informal a stupid person …   English dictionary

  • twerp — /twɜp/ (say twerp) noun Colloquial an insignificant or stupid person: *Was there ever such a pathetic twerp? –terry lane, 1993. Also, twirp. {20th century; origin unknown} …  

  • twerp — /twerrp/, n. Slang. an insignificant or despicable fellow: Her father thinks her boyfriend is just a twerp. Also, twirp. [1920 25; orig. uncert.] * * * …   Universalium

  • twerp — n Petty, immature brat. The little twerp told her mommie! 1920s …   Historical dictionary of American slang

  • twerp — (twirp) n an insignificant, silly and/or obnoxious person. An invented word which appeared in the 1930s and gained widespread currency in the 1950s. ► My stuff is outrageously conceived and devastatingly realised. Oh do shut up you boring little… …   Contemporary slang

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