As
much as we may try to avoid it, there are times in life when we might find ourselves uttering a few choice words towards someone who has wronged us. While it’s generally not recommended to resort to verbal attacks, a little knowledge about the origins and meanings of certain insults can be both entertaining and informative. Here are some “colder” insults – insults that are more calculated and calculated – that you may find interesting to learn about.
1. Son of a Gun A popular insult that originated in the maritime world, calling someone a “son of a gun” was actually a backhanded compliment. When pirates would bring their female companions onboard ships, they would often give birth right there on the deck – in between the cannons, which were called “guns”. Thus, a baby born on the deck near the guns was called a “son of a gun”. Over time, the term lost its original meaning and became an insult.
2. Nincompoop This insult may sound like a whimsical invention, but its etymology is actually quite interesting. “Nincompoop” is derived from an old phrase, “non compos mentis”, which means “not of sound mind”. Over time, this phrase was shortened and corrupted to “nincom”, which eventually became “nincompoop”.
3. Numpty A slang insult that originated in Scotland, “numpty” is commonly used to describe someone who is foolish or incompetent. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to be derived from a Scots word “numps”, which means “a lump or a blockhead”.
4. Muppet While it may seem like a good insult to call someone a Muppet – after all, they are lovable fictional characters – the term is actually quite insulting. “Muppet” is a combination of the words “marionette” and “puppet”, and is used to describe someone who is easily manipulated or naïve.
5. Ne'er-do-well An old-fashioned insult that is rarely heard nowadays, “ne'er-do-well” is used to describe someone who is lazy or fails to meet their responsibilities. It is derived from the phrase “never do well”, which implies that the person has never done anything worthwhile. While it’s not recommended to use any of these insults in everyday conversation, knowing their origins and meanings can be a fun way to expand your vocabulary and knowledge about the English language. Just remember to use your words wisely and only resort to name-calling as a last resort.