To ask what a 'numpty' is where you live and if it's offensive?

GettingStuffed · 14/04/2024 11:42

I believe it originated in Scotland as a term meaning an empty head.

It's really mild

MazzaMooza · 14/04/2024 11:32

I live in East Anglia and quite often use Numpty, it’s certainly not offensive and used more as an endearing term than anything. Sadly now there’s too many snowflakes around who get offended at everything and anything..

Bobbotgegrinch · 14/04/2024 10:58

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 11/04/2024 13:21

South Wales. I refer to myself as a numpty quite often, it's when I've done something daft that was avoidable.

I think it's a mild rebuke. We call people 'doilies' here. That's also mild.

Ooh, also South Wales and not heard Doilies.

I like it and am nicking it!

RuthW · 14/04/2024 10:17

I'm in East Anglia/Midlands and it means twit here. A friendly non offensive term.

Phoenixfire1988 · 14/04/2024 09:56

I call my kids numptys all the time it's an affectionate jokey word if they are being a bit silly

nothingsforgotten · 14/04/2024 08:13

Someone a bit daft here too - New Zealand. Not offensive at all.

WillYouPutYourCoatOn · 13/04/2024 22:02

Eeepsh · 11/04/2024 13:08

Around here (South East) it means being a bit of a twit and is usually used with affection but I use it about my son and someone from East Anglia area was horrified!

Just wondering if it's a regional thing.

I'm from East Anglia. Your definition is correct.

It's said with kindness when someone's done something silly/daft and with no real consequences.

"I couldn't find my car keys for twenty minutes... Turns out I put them in the fridge!"

"Lol, you numpty"

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 13/04/2024 22:02

It's a great Scottish word for an idiot, foolish or stupid person.

It can be both a term of endearment and offensive.

Which it is depends on context

HaggisHhahaha · 13/04/2024 21:59

a bit of a dingbat

MichelleScarn · 13/04/2024 21:58

I'd say as a Scottish person its an affectionate term, like how I've heard people say 'awright ya wee bawbag' which is fine to say to a friend. Whereas if someone says 'well see here pal...' that's not going to be pretty...

GymBergerac · 13/04/2024 21:33

From Shropshire
Very, very mild way of describing someone who's been a bit silly
"I slept through my alarm, what a numpty!" Definitely not offensive

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 13/04/2024 21:21

Berlinlover · 11/04/2024 13:11

I live in the west of Ireland, that word isn’t used here at all.

English equivalent of “you big eejit!”

Otherstories2002 · 13/04/2024 21:10

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 20:51

I understand we disagree. I'm not really seeing why a word that once described people whose "mental development never exceeds that of a normal child" shouldn't be used to describe a normally-developed adult whose actions would be more appropriate in a person of severely restricted intellectual development.

I'm aware that such things are frowned on so, in fact, I rarely use them. Lots of other words are available to the same effect (one of which you had me deleted for), without the obsolete medical connotations.

However, I still think it's irrational to classify those words as unsayable.

Show quote history

Because you are using a disability as an insult. It’s that simple.

Multiple disabled people have spoken on this issue. Perhaps prioritise their voices over your need to insult people?

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210330-the-harmful-ableist-language-you-unknowingly-use

JuvenileBigfoot · 13/04/2024 20:57

Saaarf London.
Affectionate term for someone being an idiot.
More likely to say "div" instead though. Numpty sounds more... I don't know... posh I guess.

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 20:51

Otherstories2002 · 13/04/2024 20:31

It is - it provides a context which should enable most to understand why it’s offensive.

Show quote history

I understand we disagree. I'm not really seeing why a word that once described people whose "mental development never exceeds that of a normal child" shouldn't be used to describe a normally-developed adult whose actions would be more appropriate in a person of severely restricted intellectual development.

I'm aware that such things are frowned on so, in fact, I rarely use them. Lots of other words are available to the same effect (one of which you had me deleted for), without the obsolete medical connotations.

However, I still think it's irrational to classify those words as unsayable.

Otherstories2002 · 13/04/2024 20:31

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 20:16

Here's the link from my deleted post. It's informative.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/moron-idiot-imbecile-offensive-history

It is - it provides a context which should enable most to understand why it’s offensive.

MalcolmTuckersSwearBox · 13/04/2024 20:23

A silly billy. Someone being a bit dopey and missing the obvious.

south west

SevenSeasOfRhye · 13/04/2024 20:17

I understand it to mean an ineffectual person, a bit of a dimwit - both in South West where I first heard it, and Yorkshire where I live now. It's the sort of word you'd use about a stranger rather than a friend/family member.

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 20:16

Here's the link from my deleted post. It's informative.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/moron-idiot-imbecile-offensive-history

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'

The words have a less-than-savory past

https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/moron-idiot-imbecile-offensive-history

checkedshirts · 13/04/2024 20:13

Twat is on a par with twit here (SW) and to balance it out bellend and nob are pretty much the same. None are offensive. Nor is numpty.

Special on the other hand (particularly with a cape) is. DC would definitely snigger if someone referred to them as a special little boy.

Otherstories2002 · 13/04/2024 19:56

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Keep digging that hole. You’re being incredibly offensive.

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

HelloWorldItsNiceToMeetYou · 13/04/2024 19:39

Bellaboo01 · 11/04/2024 13:15

This, but most people who live in SE/ London wouldn't refer to our kids as a 'numpty'!!?? i assume you would only use this name in a situation where the child is doing something wrong/incorrect ...to shame or embarrass them!?

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It's a much kinder meaning ... A bit like calling your kids a 'silly sausage' ...it's used quite affectionately usually.

Otherstories2002 · 13/04/2024 19:25

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 19:18

@Otherstories2002, we need words to tell people they have behaved stupidly, on a scale from somewhat to catastrophically stupid.

People who stupidly find all terms describing stupidity offensive, whether or not they consider themselves stupid, have no business trying to limit everybody's range of expression. You'll be able to find a definition of "idiot" for all these words, from ninny and dipstick to fuckwit and imbecile ... if you look hard enough.

Well done for highlighting how completely ignorant you are.

Garlicked · 13/04/2024 19:18

@Otherstories2002, we need words to tell people they have behaved stupidly, on a scale from somewhat to catastrophically stupid.

People who stupidly find all terms describing stupidity offensive, whether or not they consider themselves stupid, have no business trying to limit everybody's range of expression. You'll be able to find a definition of "idiot" for all these words, from ninny and dipstick to fuckwit and imbecile ... if you look hard enough.