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to create a small hole using a needle, thorn, or a similar sharp object
to provoke with the intention of causing a reaction or response
(of an animal) to make its ears stand upright or become erect
to provoke a sense of mental or emotional discomfort
to feel a sharp, stinging pain
an unpleasant, contemptible, or arrogant man
What is the origin of the term "prick" and how is it used?
"Prick" is an English insult that dates back to the Middle Ages, originally meaning a small point or puncture and later becoming a slang term for the penis. By the 19th–20th centuries, it developed into a figurative insult for men who are unpleasant, contemptible, or arrogant, likening them to something irritating or offensive. It is commonly used in informal speech, often among men, in workplaces, social settings, or media to call out arrogance or nastiness. The term is vulgar and derogatory, clearly offensive when used seriously, though sometimes it can be used humorously among friends.
the act of puncturing with a small point
the male genital organ
What is the origin of the term "prick" and how is it used?
"Prick" is an English word that dates back to Middle English (around the 14th century) as a literal term for the male genital organ. By the 16th–17th centuries, it began to be used metaphorically to describe a man who is annoying, foolish, or contemptible, drawing on the idea of something small, sharp, or irritating. Today, it is widely used as a derogatory insult toward men, often in informal speech, media, or comedy, and can range from mildly teasing to strongly offensive depending on context. The term remains vulgar, though less severe than explicit sexual slurs.
a depression scratched or carved into a surface
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