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Twerp
01
a person regarded as insignificant, contemptible, or obnoxiously small-time
Dialect
British
British
Offensive
Slang
Grammatical Information
What is the origin of the term "twerp" and how is it used?
"Twerp" appeared in British slang in the early 20th century, possibly as a playful coinage without a clear root, though some link it loosely to earlier dialect insults. It came to describe someone seen as insignificant, contemptible, or irritatingly small-time. The word is used informally, often in mild scolding or humorous insult. It is derogatory but relatively mild.
Examples
The boss 's nephew is a spoiled twerp who thinks he runs the place.
