noun
twerp
twurp
Twerp (noun) means a foolish, annoying, or insignificant person. Example: “Stop acting like such a twerp and apologize.”
noun
1
A foolish, annoying, or insignificant person.
"Get out of my way, you little twerp!"
"Stop acting like such a twerp and apologize."
"Some twerp cut in line right in front of me."
How to use twerp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA mildly insulting word for someone silly or irritating.
When to use it
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned, often used affectionately rather than harshly.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like twerp.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- twerps
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stop acting like such a _____ and apologize.
Etymology
Origin uncertain — British slang from the 1910s; various theories link it to a person's name, a bird-call word, or Welsh twp ("fool"), but none is confirmed.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for twerp
See all rhymes for twerp →Frequently asked questions
What does “twerp” mean?
The word “twerp” means a foolish, annoying, or insignificant person. In plain terms, a mildly insulting word for someone silly or irritating.
How do you pronounce “twerp”?
“Twerp” is pronounced twurp (/twɝp/ in IPA).
How do you use “twerp” in a sentence?
Here is “twerp” used in a sentence: “Stop acting like such a twerp and apologize.”
What part of speech is “twerp”?
“Twerp” is a noun.
Where does the word “twerp” come from?
The word “twerp” dates back to around 1910 and comes from Welsh. Origin uncertain — British slang from the 1910s; various theories link it to a person's name, a bird-call word, or Welsh twp ("fool"), but none is confirmed.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include twerp:
