British English Slang – Numpty
What Does “Numpty” Mean?
Meaning — (noun) an idiot. A stupid or foolish person. Numpty is often used in a mildly derogatory way, but it can also be used affectionately or humorously, depending on the context.
Numpty is a common Scottish expression, though it’s now widely understood and used across the UK.
Other British adjectives that can mean silly or foolish are daft (slang) and gormless (slang). Alternatively, we can also use the noun twit (slang) to refer to a silly or foolish person.
Related Idioms:
Example
“You can’t wear pyjamas to a wedding, you complete numpty!”
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Numpty” means an idiot — a stupid or foolish person. It’s often used in a mildly derogatory way, but it can also be used affectionately or humorously, depending on the context.
It’s a common Scottish expression, though it’s now widely understood and used across the UK.
You could use “daft” or “gormless” as adjectives, or the noun “twit” to describe a silly or foolish person.
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