English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

Berk

burk

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Berk (noun) means a foolish or silly person (mild British slang). Example: “Don't be such a berk — you left the keys in the door again.”

noun

1

A foolish or silly person (mild British slang).

"Don't be such a berk — you left the keys in the door again."

How to use Berk

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mild British insult for someone acting foolishly — closer to "idiot" in a joking, not-too-harsh way.

When to use it

Informal British slang; rarely used in American English.

Common pairings

a right berk act like a berk

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: berks

Test yourself on “Berk” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Don't be such a _____ — you left the keys in the door again.

Etymology

* As a Dutch, Czech, and Polish surname, from a Germanic personal name stemming from Proto-Germanic *berô (“bear”). Also see Bernhard. * As a Dutch and north German surname, from the word for birch tree, from Proto-West Germanic *berku. * As a Jewish surname, spelling variant of Berg.

Rhymes for Berk

jerk perk clerk twerk

See all rhymes for Berk →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Berk” mean?

The word “Berk” means a foolish or silly person (mild British slang). In plain terms, a mild British insult for someone acting foolishly — closer to "idiot" in a joking, not-too-harsh way.

How do you pronounce “Berk”?

“Berk” is pronounced burk (/bɝk/ in IPA).

How do you use “Berk” in a sentence?

Here is “Berk” used in a sentence: “Don't be such a berk — you left the keys in the door again.”

What part of speech is “Berk”?

“Berk” is a noun.

etymology from Wiktionary