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numpty

British  
/ ˈnʌmptɪ /

noun

  1. informal a stupid person

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of numpty

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Occasionally the odd numpty tries to ruin the vibe," she adds - but they are quickly kicked off the stream.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

A numpty misfit falls for a beautiful and broken woman whose eyes are like a flock of doves.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

“That’s exactly the sort of thing a numpty woud say,” I snapped.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2012

It's used when calling a friend a numpty when he does or says something silly.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2012

And the central character, Veep Selina Meyer – Julia Louis-Dreyfus is marvellous, at the centre of every scene yet stealing it anyway – is not quite so much of a numpty as the British ministers.

From The Guardian • Jun. 30, 2012