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

[Eeepsh]

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.

No you are right - i've never called my children (or anyone) a 'daft sausage'!

I’m in Wales. It’s not offensive here either, more an affectionate term for someone a bit silly

"You might see saying it as 'affectionate' but, the person on the receiving end might not. You say that you use the word 'numpty' to someone to make them feel better? There are a lot of other words you could use."

And some people just go out of their way to be offended. It's very true - you can't give offence, just take it.

Where I am, the word numpty is used on a daily basis. By all age groups. And quite often aimed at themselves.

It's an affectionate alternative to the word wally.

Like Cunt?

Like "numpty", some people will accept being called a cunt in the lighthearted affectionate spirit that's intended and some won't. The difference is in the percentage split.

Eaat midlands: being totally daft.

Definitely not offensive

Having said that, it really depends on the tone.
If you say it in anger, it's a strong (and bloody well deserved) insult. But again, not offensive

My OH refers to N plates on a car as 'numpty plates' 😁

Scotland, and it is not offensive.

It’s an ableist slur. It’s absolutely offensive.

Why?

Here you go

I personally think it doesn't mean silly or foolish, it means thick or stupid. Usually only used to call oneself a numpty, or another adult lightheartedly. Personally, I have been known to call my own kids stupid etc, but I definitely wouldn't expect a teacher/nursery worker/other adult to call my kids a numpty anymore than I'd think it was acceptable for them to call them and idiot. So if your child is very young, I could definitely see why someone would be shocked.

Where you live. Numerous Scottish posters have suggested otherwise. In fact does anyone from Scotland, where this word is from, actually find it offensive?

Its definition is “idiot”. It’s using a disability as an insult.

google, there’s loads of writing from people within the disability community who explain why using words to describe disabilities as insults is so problematic.

Depends how it is said and who too.
'You Numpty' not offensive when used to a person who is being a bit silly.

'They're a fucking Numpty' to someone about someone else, that could be offensive to the idiot/numpty

South West UK

I had a post on here deleted for "you numpty" 🙄 And another one for "a bit of a nitwit"!

If I genuinely wanted to insult a PP, there's an arsenal of invective at my disposal, some of which would probably merit deletion.

Just off to find someone I can call a silly billy, see how offended they get 😏

I’m East Anglia and defo not offensive! I’d use it when someone’s done something silly/daft…

@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.

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

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

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.