Rupert
Rupert (name) means a male given name of Germanic origin. Example: “Their son was named Rupert after his grandfather.”
How to use Rupert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly a personal name, though in British military slang it can mean a green junior officer.
The slang "young officer" sense is informal British military usage.
Word forms
Ruperts plural
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Their son was named _____ after his grandfather.
Etymology
A German name brought to England by Prince Rupert of the Rhine in the 17th century; a doublet of "Robert."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Rupert” mean?
The word “Rupert” means a male given name of Germanic origin. In plain terms, mainly a personal name, though in British military slang it can mean a green junior officer.
How do you pronounce “Rupert”?
“Rupert” is pronounced ROOPT (/ˈɹupɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “Rupert” in a sentence?
Here is “Rupert” used in a sentence: “Their son was named Rupert after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Rupert”?
Depending on how it is used, “Rupert” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Rupert” come from?
The word “Rupert” dates back to around 1600 and comes from German. A German name brought to England by Prince Rupert of the Rhine in the 17th century; a doublet of "Robert.".
Is “Rupert” a common word?
“Rupert” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Rupert” have?
“Rupert” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male given name of Germanic origin.
What does 'Rupert' mean in British slang?
In British slang, a Rupert refers to a young, inexperienced army officer, often one from a privileged background. The term is used somewhat mockingly by other ranks to poke fun at officers seen as posh or green.
Is calling someone a 'Rupert' insulting?
Yes, it is generally used as a mildly disparaging or teasing term within military circles, implying the person is inexperienced and comes from an upper-class background rather than having earned respect through experience. It is informal slang rather than a neutral descriptive term.
Why is the name Rupert used for this slang meaning?
The slang use of Rupert plays on the name's association with a certain upper-class, traditionally English image, applying the personal name as a stereotype for a particular type of officer. This is separate from Rupert's regular use as a male given name of Germanic origin.