welp

American  

[welp] / wɛlp /

interjection

Nonstandard.

1. an informal variant of well used to indicate disappointment, resignation, or acceptance at the beginning of an utterance.

   Welp, this might not work out for us after all.

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Usage

What does welp mean? Welp, an alternative pronunciation of well, and is an interjection typically used at the beginning of a sentence to express resignation or disappointment.

Etymology

Origin of welp

First recorded in 1945–50; form of well as an isolated or emphatic utterance, with an excrescent p representing closing of the lips, creating an unreleased labial stop; compare the parallel use of p in nope ( def. ) and yup ( def. ).

Example Sentences

One brother responded that it was, indeed, an inevitability; the other brother, who is a college sophomore, simply sent back a "welp."

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2022

And, welp, there were still far too many Thursday night against the Bears.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2022

“Any time I’ve ever been so sure about something like that, in my entire career, welp …” she said of how she began Thursday’s run, pausing, “it’s gone pretty well. The track record is …”

From Washington Post • Feb. 17, 2022

Chalabi told Rumseld what he wanted to hear, was rewarded with plum posts in the new Iraqi government, and, welp.

From Salon • Jul. 1, 2021

I can not put myself in no dainger for you, Sir, nor won't hold back the truth, so welp me.

From Checkmate by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan