zob, n.

zob
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zob_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 1986; not fully revised

# zobnoun

## Earlier version

- zob in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zob mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun zob. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

This word is used in U.S. English.

#### Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

### How common is the noun zob?

Fewer than 0.01occurrences per million words in modern written English

1910 | 0.0016
1920 | 0.0018
1930 | 0.002
1940 | 0.003
1950 | 0.0042
1960 | 0.0056
1970 | 0.0061
1980 | 0.0065
1990 | 0.0072
2000 | 0.008
2010 | 0.0077

### How is the noun zob pronounced?

#### British English

/zɒb/

### Where does the noun zob come from?

Earliest known use

1910s

The earliest known use of the noun zob is in the 1910s.

OED's earliest evidence for zob is from 1911, in the writing of W. F. Kirk.

zob is of unknown origin.

### Nearby entries

1. zoantharian, adj. & n. 1887–
2. zoanthid, n. 1870–
3. zoanthidan, adj. 1888–
4. zoanthodeme, n. 1877–
5. zoanthoid, adj. 1854–
6. zoanthropic, adj. 1891–
7. zoanthropy, n. 1856–
8. zoanthus, n. 1841–
9. zoarial, adj. 1896–
10. zoarium, n. 1880–
11. zob, n.1911–
12. zocalo, n. 1884–
13. zocco, n. 1664–1723
14. zocle, n. 1704–
15. zoco, n. 1892–
16. zodiac, n. 1390–
17. zodiacal, adj. 1576–
18. zodiac line, n. 1590
19. zodiac ring, n. 1895–
20. zodiographer, n. 1650
21. zoea, n. 1828–

## Etymology

### Summary

Of unknown origin.
Origin unknown.

## Meaning & use

U.S. slang. rare.

1. 1911–
   A weak or contemptible person; a fool.
   1. 1911

      > He came here in the early Spring with all the try-out mob Striving to bat like Wagner and to slide (spikes first) like Cobb. Some of the vets cried, ‘Bonehead!’ Others remarked, ‘Poor zob!’

      W. F. Kirk, Right off Bat 13
   2. 1920

      > And the same thing goes for that crowd of crabs and snobs Down East, and next time you hear some zob from Yahooville-on-the-Hudson chewing the rag..you tell him that no..Westerner would have New York for a gift!

      S. Lewis, Main Street xxxv. 416
   3. 1922

      > I don't know how you fellows feel about prohibition, but the way it strikes me is that it's a mighty beneficial thing for the poor zob that hasn't got any will~power but for fellows like us, it's an infringement of personal liberty.

      S. Lewis, Babbitt x. 140
   4. 1942

      > Terms of disparagement..yaphead, yazzihamper, zob.

      L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark, American Thesaurus of Slang §396
   U.S. English colloquial and slang
   1. dizzy Old English–1225
      absol. A foolish man, a fool. Obsolete.
   2. cang?c1225
      A fool.
   3. fool c1225–
      A person whose behaviour suggests a lack of intelligence, common sense, or good judgement; a silly person, an idiot; (now often) a person who acts… A common word in all periods from Middle English onwards, but apparently especially from the 16th to the early 18th centuries; compare, e.g., the productivity in phrasal and compound use during this period (see Phrases, compounds C.1). The word seems to have always carried some level of depreciative sentiment beyond simple description, but this depreciative aspect becomes increasingly mild in modern use in comparison with other synonymous or closely related terms.
   4. ape c1330–1740
      transferred. A fool. Cf. God's ape, n. to make (a person) one's ape, to put an ape in a person's hood, to befool or dupe a person. Obsolete.
   5. mop c1330–1475
      A fool, a simpleton. Cf. mope, n. 1.
   6. saddle-goose c1346–1529
      (A nickname for) a fool.
   7. mis-feeling a1382
      A foolish or senseless person.
   8. folt c1390–1579
      A foolish person; a fool.
   9. mope c1390–
      A fool, a simpleton; a slow-witted or inept person. Cf. mop, n.¹ 1. Now chiefly U.S.
   10. fon a1400–1595
       A foolish or gullible person.
   11. buffard c1430
       ? A foolish fellow. Cf. buffer, n.⁴
   12. fop c1440–1716
       A foolish person, a fool. Obsolete.
   13. joppe c1440
       A fool.
   14. fond a1450–1595
       A foolish person, a fool. Obsolete.
   15. fondling a1450–1862
       A foolish person. Also in extended use of an animal. In later use English regional (northern). Obsolete.
   16. insipient a1513–1635
       An unwise or foolish person. Obsolete.
   17. plume of feathers 1530–
       An ornamental feather, bunch of feathers, tuft of horsehair, or the like, esp. as worn for ceremonial purposes, as an attachment to a helmet or other…
   18. bobolyne c1540
       A fool, a gaby.
   19. dizzard 1546–1886
       A foolish fellow, idiot, blockhead.
   20. Little Witham?1548–
       Little (or small) Witham: (used proverbially, with pun on wit, n., for) a place of which the inhabitants were remarkable for stupidity. Hence…
   21. Jack monkey a1563–1856
       A person likened to a monkey; a foolish or silly person.
   22. nod c1563–1656
       A fool, a simpleton; = noddy, n.¹ 1.
   23. dawkin 1565–
       a. A fool; b. a slattern.
   24. cocknel 1566
       Apparently: a fool. Cf. cokes, n.
   25. nigion 1570
       = nidget, n.¹
   26. niddicock 1577–1654
       A fool, an idiot.
   27. nodcock 1577–
       A fool; a simpleton.
   28. cuckoo 1581–
       Applied to a person; esp. in reference to the bird's monotonous call, or its habit of laying its eggs in the nests of other birds; also = fool…
   29. Jack with the feather 1581–
       Phrases: a feather in the cap, hat: a decoration, mark of honour, literal and figurative (also elliptical); also †the badge of a fool; hence †Jack w…
   30. niddipol 1582
       = noddypoll, n.
   31. noddyship?1589
       A mock title for a fool.
   32. stirk c1590–
       Used as a term of abuse: a foolish person.
   33. fonkin 1591
       A little fool.
   34. Gibraltar 1593–1608
       (In corrupted forms gibaltar, giberaltar). ? A Gibraltar-monkey. Obsolete.
   35. fopper 1598
       = fop, n. 1.
   36. noddypeak 1598–1694
       A fool, a simpleton.
   37. John Dringle 1599–1600
       (Perhaps) a fool, a simpleton.
   38. coxcombry 1600–08
       A foolish person. Also: fools collectively (cf. sense 2c). Cf. coxcomb, n. 4a. Obsolete.
   39. simple 1600–1894
       As a count noun. A stupid, ignorant, or foolish person. Obsolete.
   40. gowk a1605–
       A fool: a half-witted person.
   41. nup 1607
       A fool.
   42. fooliaminy 1608–22
       A fool.
   43. silly ass 1608–
       a. n. A foolish or stupid person (cf. ass, n.¹ 2); spec. an amiable upper-class idiot; b. adj. characteristic of, or designating, such a person.
   44. dosser-head 1612
       A foolish person.
   45. dor 1616
       A fool.
   46. glow-worm 1624–
       figurative. (In 17th cent. often applied contemptuously to persons.)
   47. liripipe a1625–1777
       A silly person. Obsolete.
   48. doodle 1629–
       A silly or foolish fellow; a noodle.
   49. weak-wit 1635–
       A person lacking or inferior in intellectual power, ability, or acuity; a fool.
   50. sop 1637–
       transferred and figurative. A dull or foolish fellow; a milksop.
   51. spalt 1639
       A silly or foolish person.
   52. fool's head 1650–1891
       A foolish, silly, or stupid person. Obsolete.
   53. buffle 1655–1710
       A fool; = bufflehead, n. 1.
   54. Jack Adams 1656–
       (A generic name for) a fool, an idiot.
   55. bufflehead 1659–
       A fool, blockhead, stupid fellow.
   56. nincompoop c1668–
       A simpleton, a foolish person.
   57. bavian 1678–
       A baboon; spec. (South African) the chacma, Papio ursinus. Also figurative. derogatory: a fool, an idiot. Cf. babion, n. Now rare.
   58. nokes 1679–
       A fool, a simpleton.
   59. foolane a1681
       A foolish or stupid person; a fool. Cf. foolatum, n.
   60. Tom doodle 1698–1866
       A clown, a fool; a stupid or foolish person, an oaf; cf. doodle, n. 1.
   61. cod 1699–
       A fool. Formerly also occasionally as a more general term of abuse.
   62. hulver-head 1699–
       (See quot.).
   63. nigmenog 1699–
       A fool, an idiot.
   64. single ten 1699
       The ten of a card-suit; (see also quot. 1699).
   65. mud 1703–1886
       colloquial. A fool, a simpleton. Obsolete.
   66. dowf 1722–
       A dull, spiritless, foolish, or stupid person. Now rare.
   67. foolatum 1740–1832
       A foolish or stupid person; a fool. Cf. earlier foolane, n.
   68. silly billy 1749–
       A feeble-minded person, a fool; (now in weakened sense, esp. as an affectionate term of reproof) a silly or somewhat foolish person.
   69. tommy noddy 1774–
       A foolish or stupid person. Cf. Tomnoddy, n. 2. Now rare.
   70. arse c1785–
       A stupid, unpleasant, or contemptible person; a fool.
   71. nincom 1800–
       = nincompoop, n.
   72. silly 1807–
       colloquial. A silly or foolish person. Also as a gently mocking or teasing form of address.
   73. slob 1810–
       Originally Irish English; later U.S. slang and colloquial. A foolish, weak, or ineffectual person, esp. one who is gullible or easily imposed upon…
   74. omadhaun 1818–
       A foolish or stupid person. Occasionally also (offensive) a person with a mild intellectual disability.
   75. potwalloper 1820–
       derogatory. A fool. Also: an impostor, an upstart.
   76. mosy 1824–
       regional (now chiefly Irish English). An idiot, a fool.
   77. amadan 1825–
       A foolish or stupid person. Occasionally also (offensive) a person with a mild intellectual disability. Cf. omadhaun, n.
   78. gump 1825–
       A foolish person, a dolt.
   79. gumpus 1825–
       = gump, n.¹
   80. gype 1825–
       A fool, an idiot.
   81. oonchook 1825–
       Irish English and Newfoundland (colloquial and derogatory). A foolish, ignorant person, esp. a female one; a dunce.
   82. prawn 1845–
       figurative and in extended use. A person likened to a prawn in appearance or character, esp. in being foolish or foolish-looking.
   83. foo-foo 1848–
       derogatory. An ineffectual, feeble, or foolish person; (also) a man characterized as exhibiting qualities or behaviour regarded as more appropriate…
   84. suck-egg 1851–
       (a) An animal that is reputed to suck eggs, e.g. a weasel, cuckoo; figurative an avaricious person. (b) A young fellow; slang. ‘a silly person’…
   85. goosey 1852–
       A childish or playful diminutive of goose, n., applied to persons.
   86. nowmun 1854–
       A fool, an idiot.
   87. pelican 1856–
       U.S. colloquial. A worthless person; a fool, an oaf. Frequently with old.
   88. damfool 1857–
       A foolish or stupid person; an idiot. Also in extended use: a foolish thing or affair.
   89. poppy-show 1860–
       U.S. regional and Caribbean. A ridiculous or ostentatious display; foolishness, nonsense; (also) a fool, a figure of fun.
   90. buggerlugs 1861–
       Chiefly humorous. An annoying or foolish person. Usually as an affectionate form of address or mild term of reproof. Occasionally in singular. Now…
   91. apeth 1862–
       A foolish or silly person.
   92. mudhead 1882–
       slang. derogatory. A stupid person; = blockhead, n. A.1.
   93. yob 1886–
       Chiefly Australian, New Zealand (disparaging). A fool; a naive, gullible, or unintelligent person. Also: an unsophisticated person; a country…
   94. peanut head 1891–
       A stupid or foolish person; also as a term of abuse. Cf. pinhead, n. A.4a, pea-brain, n., etc.
   95. haggis bag 1892–
       disparaging. In Scottish usage: a lazy, foolish, or ineffectual person; a windbag. Also in other varieties of English: a Scottish person. Cf. haggis…
   96. poop 1893–
       A stupid or ineffectual person; a fool, a bore.
   97. gook 1904–
       A stupid, annoying, or peculiar person; spec. †(a) a person who offers unsolicited advice or opinions, a know-all (obsolete); (b) (now chiefly) a… Now somewhat uncommon, perhaps due to the possibility of confusion with the derogatory and offensive gook, n.²
   98. gazob 1906–
       A fool; a blunderer.
   99. mush 1906–
       A weak-minded person; a fool, an idiot.
   100. wump 1908–
        A foolish or feeble person.
   101. zob 1911–
        A weak or contemptible person; a fool.
   102. gorm 1912–
        An undiscerning person, a fool.
   103. goof 1916–
        A silly, stupid, or ‘daft’ person.
   104. goofus 1916–
        A foolish or stupid person. Cf. doofus, n.
   105. gubbins 1916–
        colloquial. A fool, a duffer.
   106. dumb-dumb 1919–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   107. dumb bunny 1921–
        A foolish or stupid person.
   108. dumb cluck 1922–
        A stupid or inept person; an idiot.
   109. dumb Dora 1922–
        (A name for) a foolish or unintelligent person; esp. a foolish or unintelligent woman.
   110. B.F. 1925–
        Bloody fool.
   111. goofer 1925–
        One who goofs (in various senses).
   112. bird brain 1926–
        A foolish or unintelligent person.
   113. berk 1929–
        An incompetent, objectionable, or annoying person; a pillock. Frequently as a term of abuse, formerly as a euphemism for cunt, n. 3 (obsolete). In early use often considered coarse and offensive; now only mildly derogatory.
   114. Berkeley 1929–
        An incompetent, objectionable, or annoying person. Frequently as a term of abuse, as a euphemism for cunt, n. 3.
   115. Berkeley Hunt 1929–
        An incompetent, objectionable, or annoying person; = cunt, n. 3.
   116. ding 1929–
        An inept or simple-minded person; a fool, an idiot. Also (chiefly Prison slang): a person regarded as being wildly irrational or erratic. Cf. ding-a…
   117. loogan 1929–
        In derogatory use: a fellow, a ‘fool’.
   118. stupido 1929–
        Originally and chiefly in Italian-speaking contexts: a stupid person. Also used as a contemptuous form of address.
   119. twat 1929–
        As a term of abuse: a contemptible or obnoxious person; a person who behaves stupidly; a fool, an idiot. Now chiefly British. The force of this term can vary widely. Especially when applied to a woman, it can be as derogatory and offensive as the term cunt (cunt, n. 2a), but it can also be used (especially of men) as a milder form of abuse without conscious reference to the female genitals, often implying that a person's behaviour, appearance, etc., is stupid or idiotic, with little or no greater force than twit (twit, n.¹ 2b).
   120. poop-stick 1930–
        A fool, an ineffectual person.
   121. tonk 1930–
        Australian and New Zealand. disparaging. Originally: an overprivileged person. Later as a more general term of abuse: a contemptible or obnoxious…
   122. nelly 1931–
        colloquial. derogatory. A man characterized as unmanly, or as exhibiting qualities, behaviour, or interests regarded as more appropriate to a…
   123. droop 1932–
        A fool; a languid person; a ‘drip’. U.S. slang.
   124. diddy 1933–
        Chiefly Scottish. A fool, an idiot.
   125. slappy 1937–
        = slap-happy, adj. Also as n.
   126. dipsy-doodle 1938–
        A foolish, unintelligent, or muddle-headed person. Also: a foolish or frivolous thought, statement, etc. Cf. doodle, n. 1.
   127. goof ball 1938–
        a. (A tablet of) any of various drugs, spec. marijuana; a barbiturate tablet or drug; b. = goof, n. a.
   128. get 1940–
        colloquial. A fool, an idiot; a contemptible person. Cf. git, n.
   129. poon 1940–
        slang (chiefly Australian). derogatory. A simple or foolish person; (also) a person who lives alone in the outback.
   130. clot 1942–
        colloquial. A dull-witted, clumsy, or blundering person. In later use often as a mild or affectionate term of reproach. Cf. clod, n. 5.
   131. yuck 1943–
        A fool; a boor; anyone disliked or despised.
   132. possum 1945–
        slang (usually derogatory). Australian. A fool, a simpleton, a gull. Now rare.
   133. gobdaw 1947–
        slang. derogatory (originally and chiefly Irish English). A foolish or pretentious person.
   134. momo 1953–
        An idiot; a stupid person.
   135. nig-nog 1953–
        slang (usually mildly derogatory). A new or unskilled recruit; a novice; a foolish or naive person. Cf. ning-nong, n.
   136. plonker 1955–
        slang (chiefly British and Australian). A foolish, inept, or contemptible person.
   137. weenie 1956–
        A person held in contempt, esp. one ridiculed as weak, socially inept, or unfashionable; a fool; = wiener, n. 3. Also used as a general term of abuse.
   138. nong-nong 1959–
        = nong, n. 2.
   139. Berkshire Hunt 1960–
        An incompetent, objectionable, or annoying person; a berk. Also used as a term of abuse for a man, as a euphemism for cunt, n. 3. Cf. Berkeley Hunt…
   140. balloon 1965–
        colloquial (Scottish and Irish English (northern)). A self-important or boastful idiot; a fool. Cf. loon, n.¹
   141. doofus 1965–
        A foolish or stupid person, an idiot; also as a general term of contempt. Cf. goofus, n.¹
   142. dork 1965–
        A foolish, pathetic, or inept person, spec. a person (esp. a student) ridiculed as socially awkward, unfashionable, overly studious, or odd. Now…
   143. nana 1965–
        A foolish or silly person; an idiot.
   144. jive turkey 1966–
        A dishonest, insincere, or foolish person; also as a general term of abuse or disparagement.
   145. shit-for-brains 1966–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). An extremely stupid or foolish person. Frequently used as a form of address.
   146. schmoll 1967–
        An idiot, a fool.
   147. tosspot 1967–
        slang (chiefly British and Australian). A contemptible person, a fool. Cf. tosser, n. 1b.
   148. lunchbox 1969–
        U.S. slang (esp. College slang). A fool, simpleton; an inept person. Cf. out to lunch at lunch, n.² 2b.
   149. doof 1971–
        = doofus, n.
   150. tonto 1973–
        Someone who is foolish or stupid.
   151. lamester 1978–
        slang (originally U.S.). A dull, unimpressive, or contemptible person; a person regarded as socially inept or out of touch. Cf. lame, adj. A.II.8.
   152. dorkus 1979–
        A foolish, clumsy, or inept person; a dork (dork, n. 2). Now also: one whose social awkwardness is regarded as endearing. Frequently as a form of…
   153. motorhead 1979–
        An idiot, a fool.
   154. mouth-breather 1979–
        North American slang. A stupid person.
   155. wally 1980–
        Chiefly British. A silly, daft, or inept person; a fool, an idiot. Mildly derogatory.
   156. wally brain 1981–
        Mildly derogatory. slang. A fool, an idiot; = wally, n.³ A.2.
   157. der-brain 1983–
        A stupid person, a fool.
   158. langer 1983–
        coarse slang (Irish English). The penis. Also: a fool, an idiot.
   159. numpty 1985–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   160. sotong 1988–
        Used to denote a stereotypically stupid, clumsy, or ignorant person, esp. in blur as (a) sotong, blur like (a) sotong. Cf. blur, adj..
   161. fanny 1995–
        slang (originally and chiefly Scottish). A stupid, incompetent, or annoying person; an idiot.
   162. fannybaws 2000–
        A stupid, annoying, or unpleasant person. Frequently as a disparaging form of address. Cf. fanny, n.¹ 5.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. thing Old English–
      Used of a human being or person. Cf. creature, n. 2a, 2c. Without qualification. In later use only in contempt or reproach, usually suggesting…
   2. worm Old English–
      figurative. A human being likened to a worm or reptile as an object of contempt, scorn, or pity; an abject, miserable creature.
   3. wretch Old English–
      A vile, sorry, or despicable person; one of opprobrious or reprehensible character; a mean or contemptible creature. Also without article.
   4. hinderling c1175–1387
      A base, mean, contemptible person.
   5. harlot?c1225–1659
      Originally: a beggar, a vagabond. Later: a dishonest or unprincipled person; a scoundrel, a rogue (frequently as a term of abuse). Also occasionally…
   6. mix a1300–1400
      A wretch; a vile person; a fool.
   7. villain 1303–
      Originally, a low-born base-minded rustic; a man of ignoble ideas or instincts; in later use, an… Used as a term of opprobrious address.
   8. whelp c1330–
      An ill-conditioned or low fellow; later, in milder use, and esp. of a boy or young man: A saucy or impertinent young fellow; an ‘unlicked cub’, a…
   9. wonner a1340–
      A dweller, an inhabitant.
   10. filth a1375–
       As a term of abuse: a disgusting, repugnant, immoral, or contemptible person. Later usually as a mass noun with singular or plural reference.
   11. dead dog a1382–
       A worthless or contemptible person; cf. dog, n.¹ II.5a.
   12. bismer a1400–1535
       A person worthy of scorn; a lewd person, a pander or bawd. Cf. besom, n. 6.
   13. funk?a1400
       Apparently: a worthless or contemptible person or thing. not worth a funk: of little or no value, worthless.
   14. vile c1400–1530
       A base or despicable person. Obsolete.
   15. beast a1425–
       A person who exhibits base, licentious, or indulgent behaviour; a person regarded as animal-like in lacking self-control or rational thought.
   16. creature c1450–
       A human being; a person, an individual. A reprehensible or despicable person.
   17. dog bolt 1465–
       Usually in form dogbolt. As a term of contempt or abuse: (probably originally) a person who is at someone else's command, a menial, a dogsbody…
   18. fouling?a1475
       A wicked or immoral person. Obsolete.
   19. drivel 1478–1600
       A person lacking in intelligence; a fool, an imbecile.
   20. shit 1508–
       An offensive or despicable person (usually a man); a person (usually a man) whose behaviour is regarded as obnoxious.
   21. marmoset 1523–
       Extended uses. Applied to a man (derogatory or disparaging). Occasionally: a favourite, a minion. Now rare.
   22. mammet a1529–
       derogatory and offensive. A despised person, esp. one considered to have no strength of character; (also) a timid or oversensitive person…
   23. pilgarlic a1529–
       Originally: a bald head; a bald-headed person. In later use also: a pitiable, lowly, or foolish person; a shabby or unkempt person. Frequently used…
   24. pode 1528
       A toad; = pad, n.¹ 1; (also) any of various other creatures reputed to be venomous. Also in extended use: a vile person.
   25. slave 1530–1819
       As a term of contempt: a despicable person; a wretch. Obsolete (archaic in later use).
   26. slim 1548–1611
       A lanky, lazy, worthless, or despicable person. Obsolete.
   27. skit-brains?1553–
       attributive and in other combinations, as skit-brains, skit-brained, in opprobrious use.
   28. grasshopper 1556–
       disparaging. A person likened to a grasshopper, esp. in being destructive, inconstant, or (with allusion to the fable of the ant and the…
   29. scavenger 1563–
       figurative in various uses: One who collects filth; one who does ‘dirty work’; a dishonourable person. Also, in favourable sense, one who labours…
   30. old boss 1566
       old boss: a term of contempt applied to persons (Scottish). Cf. quot. 1554 at sense 1.
   31. rag 1566–
       A disreputable or contemptible person; a person of a low social class. Cf. rag-tag, n. A.2, tag-rag, n. A.a. Now rare.
   32. shrub 1566–1690
       A mean, inferior, insignificant person; = scrub, n.¹ II.5. Obsolete.
   33. ketterel a1572–85
       A vile or filthy wretch.
   34. shake-rag 1571–
       A ragged disreputable person; also attributive or adj., beggarly. Cf. shack-rag, n., shag-rag, adj. & n.
   35. skybal a1572–
       A mean, disreputable, or contemptible person; a rascal, a rogue. Also: a worn-out, thin, or neglected person or animal; a worthless thing.
   36. mumpsimus 1573–1815
       derogatory. An old person. Also: = mumps, n.¹ Obsolete.
   37. smatchet c1582–
       An insignificant contemptible person; a chit.
   38. squib 1586–
       Applied to persons. A mean, insignificant, or paltry fellow; also, a short or thin person.
   39. dunghill craven 1587–1908
       A common domestic fowl, as distinguished from a gamecock bred for fighting (cf. dunghill, n. compounds C.1b); (in extended use) a contemptible or…
   40. scabship 1589
       Used with possessive as a mock title for a contemptible person.
   41. vassal 1589–
       A base or abject person. Cf. slave, n. A.I.3b.
   42. stick-toad 1591
       A person who stabs or pierces toads (used as a term of abuse).
   43. baboon 1592–
       derogatory. A foolish, stupid, or contemptible person; (also) a person considered to resemble a baboon in appearance. Frequently as a term of abuse.
   44. Gibraltar 1593–1608
       (In corrupted forms gibaltar, giberaltar). ? A Gibraltar-monkey. Obsolete.
   45. polecat 1593–
       derogatory. A sexually promiscuous woman or (occasionally) man, a prostitute. In later use also as a more general term of abuse.
   46. mushroom 1594–1769
       figurative. A contemptible person. Obsolete.
   47. nod c1595
       A person who is nodded at. Obsolete. rare.
   48. cittern-head 1598–1640
       Used as a term of abuse, with reference to the grotesquely carved head of a cittern.
   49. nit 1598–
       colloquial. Originally: an insignificant, inconsequential, or contemptible person. In later use chiefly: spec. a foolish, stupid, or incompetent…
   50. stockfish 1598–
       In contemptuous address to a person.
   51. cum-twang 1599
       An obsolete term of contempt.
   52. dish-wash 1599–
       As a term of contempt.
   53. pettitoe 1599–1657
       Usually in plural. derogatory. A vile or worthless person or thing. Obsolete.
   54. mustard-token 1600–22
       A token issued and redeemed by a mustard seller in lieu of small change; also used as a term of contempt connoting worthlessness.
   55. viliaco 1600–51
       A vile or contemptible person; a villain, scoundrel.
   56. cargo 1602
       A contemptuous term applied to a person.
   57. stump 1602–
       Applied to a person: A blockhead (cf. stock, n.¹ A.I.1c, stub, n. 2); a man of short stumpy figure (cf. stub, n. 7d). †Sometimes as a term of…
   58. snotty-nose 1604–
       One whose nose is dirty with snot; hence, a paltry, mean, or contemptible fellow.
   59. sprat 1605–
       Applied to a person. A person characterized as being small, weak, or insignificant. Frequently used dismissively or as a term of contempt. Cf. shrimp…
   60. wormling 1605–
       A small worm; chiefly figurative, a poor despicable creature.
   61. brock 1607–
       A stinking or dirty fellow; one who is given to ‘dirty tricks’; a ‘skunk’.
   62. dogfly?1611–31
       In extended use, as a term of abuse for a person. Obsolete. rare.
   63. shag-rag 1611–
       A ragged, disreputable person; a low rascally fellow.
   64. shack-rag 1612
       = shake-rag, n., shag-rag, adj. & n.
   65. thrum 1612–1727
       Applied jocularly or contemptuously to a person (? one meanly or raggedly dressed). Obsolete.
   66. rabbit a1616–
       Something resembling a rabbit. disparaging. A person likened to a rabbit, typically in being timid or ineffectual; (slang) a poor or novice player…
   67. fitchock 1616–1847
       = fitchew, n.; also as a term of contempt.
   68. unworthy 1616–
       An unworthy person.
   69. baseling 1618–
       A base or degraded creature.
   70. shag 1620–
       A low, rascally fellow.
   71. glow-worm 1624–
       figurative. (In 17th cent. often applied contemptuously to persons.)
   72. snip 1633–
       Applied to persons in depreciation or contempt. In later use: A young, slight, or diminutive person.
   73. the son of a worm 1633–
       figurative. Similarly the son of a worm (after Job 17:14).
   74. grouse a1637
       Used as a term of contempt. Obsolete. rare.
   75. shab 1637–
       slang. A low fellow (= scab, n. 4). ? Obsolete.
   76. wormship 1648–
       The personality of a worm. (With possess. pronoun, as a mock-title.)
   77. muckworm 1649–
       derogatory. A person who is despicable, esp. one who is intellectually or morally deficient; a lowly person. Now rare.
   78. whiffler 1659–
       A trifler; an insignificant or contemptible fellow (cf. whiffling, adj.¹ 3); also, a shifty or evasive person.
   79. prig 1679–1749
       A term of dislike for an unpleasant or unsympathetic person. Obsolete.
   80. rotten egg 1686–
       figurative. A worthless or contemptible person or thing. Cf. egg, n. 4a.
   81. prigster 1688–1898
       An excessively precise or particular person; (also more generally) an objectionable person. Cf. prig, n.³ A.II.4.
   82. begged fool 1693–
       See beg, v. 5.
   83. hang-dog 1693–
       A despicable or degraded fellow fit only to hang a dog, or to be hanged like a dog.
   84. bugger 1694–
       slang. Used as a term of abuse or contempt for a person.
   85. reptile 1697–
       figurative. A person of mean, grovelling, or contemptible character; a loathsome or repulsive person.
   86. squinny 1716–
       (See quot. 1852.)
   87. snool 1718–
       A tame, abject, or mean-spirited person.
   88. ramscallion 1734–
       A worthless, dirty, or disreputable person; a vagrant. Cf. rapscallion, n.
   89. footer 1748–
       A contemptible, foolish, or clumsy person.
   90. jackass 1756–
       A foolish or stupid person; an idiot, a dolt. Cf. ass, n.¹ 2. Now chiefly North American.
   91. hallion 1789–
       A term of contempt: A low or scurvy fellow; an idle, worthless fellow.
   92. skite 1790–
       A person who on some account or other is regarded with contempt. (Cf. blatherskite, n.)
   93. rattlesnake 1791–
       figurative. A dangerous, malevolent, or despicable person or thing (also as a term of abuse). Also: a person who or thing which moves quickly or…
   94. snot 1809–
       dialect and slang. Applied to persons as a term of contempt or opprobrium.
   95. mudworm 1814–
       A contemptible person. Now rare.
   96. skunk 1816–
       colloquial. Chiefly North American. A dishonest, mean, or contemptible person.
   97. stirrah 1816–
       ‘A term of contempt, apparently corrupted from Sirrah’ (Jamieson).
   98. spalpeen 1817–
       As a term of contempt: a disreputable or untrustworthy person; a rogue, rascal.
   99. nyaff 1825–
       A diminutive, insignificant, or contemptible person. Now frequently in wee nyaff.
   100. skin 1825–
        An unpleasant or contemptible person; (U.S. slang) spec. = skinflint, n. Now rare.
   101. weed 1825–
        colloquial. A person who is tall, thin, and lacking in physical strength or stamina; a feeble or weedy person, regarded as contemptible; a…
   102. tiger 1827–49
        A vulgarly or obtrusively overdressed person; also a sponger, hanger-on, parasite; a roué, rake, swell-mobsman. slang. Obsolete.
   103. slobber-chops 1832–
        As a general term of abuse or contempt: a stupid, contemptible, or ineffectual person. Now rare.
   104. beggar 1834–
        As a term of contempt. Used familiarly or playfully. (Cf. baggage, n. A.II.6b, dog, n.¹ II.5b, rogue, n. A.3, etc.)
   105. despicability 1837–
        A specimen of this; a despicable person.
   106. squirt 1844–
        colloquial. A paltry or contemptible person; a whippersnapper; a fop. Also spec. a child or young person. Originally U.S.
   107. prawn 1845–
        figurative and in extended use. A person likened to a prawn in appearance or character, esp. in being foolish or foolish-looking.
   108. shake 1846–
        A disreputable person.
   109. white mouse 1846–
        Chiefly Navy slang. A sly or contemptible person; an informer, a traitor. Now rare (historical in later use).
   110. scurf 1851–
        slang. A contemptible person, esp. a miser, skinflint. Also spec., an employer who pays less than the usual rate of wages; a labourer who accepts…
   111. sweep 1853–
        A disreputable person; a scamp, blackguard. slang and dialect.
   112. cockroach 1856–
        colloquial (chiefly U.S.). A person who acts in a base, cunning, or underhand manner; a contemptible or despicable person. Frequently as a form of…
   113. bummer 1857–
        slang (originally U.S.). derogatory. A worthless, lazy, or despicable person.
   114. medlar 1859–
        slang. A dirty or disreputable person. Now rare.
   115. cunt 1860–
        derogatory. As a term of abuse for a man.
   116. shuck 1862–
        As a type of something valueless. A mean or contemptible person.
   117. missing link 1863–
        colloquial. derogatory. Applied to a person, esp. one considered crude or stupid.
   118. skepsel 1866–
        In early use often: a contemptible, worthless, or uncivilized person; (now chiefly) a helpless, unfortunate, or pitiable person. Also as a (usually… Often (esp. in 19th and earlier 20th cent.) used as a patronizing or derogatory term for a black or other non-white person.
   119. schweinhund 1871–
        A despicable, troublesome, or unpleasant person. Often as an abusive form of address. Chiefly used where the speaker or referent is German. Cf. swin…
   120. creep a1876–
        †(a) A creeping fellow; a sneak. dialect. Obsolete. (b) slang (originally U.S.). A despicable, worthless, stupid, or tiresome person. Cf. creeper, n.…
   121. cheapie 1879–
        U.S. A contemptible or despicable person. Now rare.
   122. bum 1882–
        derogatory. A worthless or contemptible person; a lazy or irresponsible person.
   123. trashbag 1886–
        a. See quot. 1688; (also) old shoes; also, a disreputable or worthless person (dialect); b. chiefly U.S., a rubbish bag.
   124. tinhorn 1887–
        A poor or contemptible person, esp. one who is pretentious or flashy; spec. one who gambles for low stakes.
   125. snot-rag 1888–
        A pocket-handkerchief; also transferred as a term of opprobrium.
   126. rodent 1889–
        derogatory. A despicable, contemptible, or worthless person. Cf. rat, n.¹ II.4a.
   127. whelpling 1889–
        A young whelp; also contemptuously of a person.
   128. pie eater a1891–
        U.S. slang. derogatory. A contemptible person, a fool; a country bumpkin. Also: a person who accepts political favours (cf. pie, n.² II.4b, pie-biter…
   129. mess 1891–
        colloquial. A person who is dirty or untidy in appearance; (figurative) a person whose life or affairs are disorganized, esp. due to the influence…
   130. schmuck 1892–
        A contemptible or obnoxious person; a stupid or foolish person.
   131. fucker 1893–
        coarse slang. A foolish or despicable person (cf. earlier windfucker, n. 2). Also more broadly: a person, a fellow.
   132. cheapskate 1894–
        Usually as two words. A contemptible or despicable person. Now rare.
   133. cocksucker 1894–
        coarse slang. A stupid or obnoxious person. Frequently as a contemptuous form of address.
   134. gutter-bird 1896–
        The sparrow, hence figurative, a disreputable person.
   135. lickpot 1896
        derogatory. A person who does menial work in a kitchen; (also more generally) a worthless, servile person; a lackey. Cf. lick-dish, n. 1. Obsolete.
   136. perisher 1896–
        colloquial (chiefly British). An annoying or awkward person; (frequently in little perisher) an irritating or mischievous child. Hence: any annoying…
   137. skate 1896–
        A mean or contemptible person. Esp. in cheapskate, n.
   138. schmendrick 1897–
        A foolish, immature, or naive person; (also) an obnoxious person.
   139. nyamps 1900–
        An incapable, worthless, or stupid person.
   140. ullage 1901–
        transferred. Nautical. (See quots.)
   141. fink 1903–
        A pejorative term of wide application, esp.: (a) an unpleasant or contemptible person; (b) an informer; a detective; (c) a strike-breaker.
   142. onion 1904–
        slang (originally U.S.). A foolish or contemptible person; a ‘mug’. In British use originally and chiefly Services' slang.
   143. punk 1904–
        U.S. slang. (a) A person of no account; a despicable or contemptible person; (broadly) a person, a fellow (rare) (b) a petty criminal; a hoodlum, a…
   144. shitepoke 1905–
        = shit, n. A.I.2.
   145. tinhorn sport 1906–
        A contemptible person.
   146. streeler 1907–
        A disreputable, idle person.
   147. swine-dog 1909–
        (A term of abuse or contempt for) an objectionable, troublesome, or unpleasant person; cf. schweinhund, n., swine-hound, n.
   148. zob 1911–
        A weak or contemptible person; a fool.
   149. stink 1916–
        A contemptible person, a stinkard. slang.
   150. motherfucker 1918–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly North American). With negative connotation. An obnoxious, despicable, or contemptible person; a very unpleasant person. Frequently as a term of abuse.
   151. Oscar 1918–
        A fellow, guy (esp. one held in contempt by the speaker); a foolish or ignorant man.
   152. shitass 1918–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). A person regarded as contemptible, worthless, or inept.
   153. warb 1921–
        A low-class, disreputable, or contemptible person; a lazy person; a loafer. Also (later chiefly Police slang): a person without a settled home; a…
   154. cheapjack 1922–
        As a term of abuse: a contemptible person; an unscrupulous or dishonest person; (sometimes) a grasping or miserly person. Cf. cheap John, n. A.2.
   155. shit-face 1923–
        coarse slang. A despicable or hated person.
   156. tripe-hound 1923–
        a. An unpleasant or contemptible person; also spec. a newspaper reporter or an informant; b. a contemptuous term for a dog; spec. in Australian and N…
   157. gimp 1924–
        derogatory slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person.
   158. garbage can 1925–
        colloquial. A worthless or despicable person; (also) a dirty or disgusting person.
   159. twerp 1925–
        A despicable or objectionable person; an insignificant person, a nobody; a nincompoop.
   160. jughead 1926–
        A foolish or stupid person; also, as a mere term of abuse.
   161. mong 1926–
        In extended use: a despicable person. Cf. mongrel, n. A.II.5a.
   162. fuck?1927–
        coarse slang (see note at fuck, v.). Originally U.S. A worthless or despicable person. Frequently with modifying word. Cf. also rat fuck, n. (a).
   163. arsehole 1928–
        A stupid, irritating, or despicable person; a person who behaves contemptibly. In early use with modifying adjective. Cf. asshole, n. 3, arse, n. A.3.
   164. dirty dog 1928–
        A despicable or untrustworthy person; also with implication of lasciviousness.
   165. gazook 1928–
        A fool; a stupid or unpleasant person.
   166. muzzler 1928–
        U.S. slang. An obnoxious or annoying person; someone held in contempt.
   167. roach 1929–
        slang. derogatory. An unpleasant or despicable person.
   168. shite 1929–
        regional (chiefly Scottish and Irish English) and coarse slang (chiefly British, Australian, and New Zealand). = shit, n. A.I.2.
   169. mook 1930–
        colloquial and derogatory (U.S. and Caribbean). An incompetent or stupid person; a contemptible person (esp. with reference to low social status).
   170. lug 1931–
        Chiefly North American slang. Used contemptuously of a person: a lout, a sponger.
   171. slug 1931–
        A contemptible person; a fat person.
   172. woodchuck 1931–
        U.S. regional (New York) slang. An unsophisticated rustic; a yokel, a hick. Also used more generally as a term of mild contempt.
   173. crud 1932–
        Chiefly U.S. An unpleasant or despicable person; also as a general term of abuse. Cf. crut, n.³
   174. dip 1932–
        A stupid, unremarkable, or contemptible person.
   175. fart face 1932–
        (A term of abuse for) a disagreeable or annoying person.
   176. bohunkus 1933–
        A stupid, obnoxious, or worthless person. Often as a general term of abuse or contemptuous form of address. Cf. bohunk, n. A.2.
   177. lint-head 1933–
        A worker in a cotton mill; (in contemptuous use) a person of whom one disapproves.
   178. fuck-pig a1935–
        coarse slang. An unpleasant or contemptible person.
   179. owl-hoot 1934–
        U.S. slang. In form owlhoot. Esp. in the language of Wild West fiction, etc.: a fugitive, an outlaw. Hence: a worthless or contemptible person…
   180. pissant 1935–
        disparaging. An insignificant, contemptible, or irritating person.
   181. poot 1935–
        disparaging. An insignificant or contemptible person.
   182. shmegegge 1937–
        (A name for) a contemptible, idiotic, or foolish person.
   183. motheree 1938–
        = motherfucker, n. 1a (see also mother, n.¹ I.7).
   184. motorcycle 1938–
        U.S. slang (euphemistic). = motherfucker, n. 1. Usually modified by bad. Cf. also motor scooter, n. 3.
   185. squiff 1939–
        A contemptible person.
   186. pendejo 1940–
        A derogatory term for: a stupid, cowardly, or contemptible person (usually a man); an idiot, ‘asshole’, ‘jerk’. Also more mildly, as a term of…
   187. lame 1941–
        U.S. colloquial (originally in African American usage). A person regarded as socially inept or out of touch, esp. considered from the perspective…
   188. snotnose 1941–
        A term of contempt applied to a childish, despicable, or conceited person; = snotty-nose, n.
   189. jerkface 1942–
        North American slang. derogatory. An irritating, despicable, or contemptible person. Chiefly as a term of abuse.
   190. slag 1943–
        British colloquial. A worthless, insignificant, or contemptible person. In early use: a coward.
   191. yuck 1943–
        A fool; a boor; anyone disliked or despised.
   192. fuckface?1945–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). A foolish or contemptible person. Frequently as a term of abuse.
   193. fuckhead?1945–
        coarse slang (originally North American). A foolish or contemptible person.
   194. shit-head 1945–
        coarse slang. A person regarded as stupid or despicable.
   195. shite-hawk 1948–
        = shit, n. A.I.2.
   196. schlub 1950–
        A worthless person, a fool, a loser, a jerk; an unkempt, slovenly, or plain-looking person.
   197. asswipe 1953–
        derogatory. A foolish or contemptible person.
   198. MF 1953–
        = motherfucker, n.
   199. mother 1955–
        slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). = motherfucker, n. (in various senses).
   200. weenie 1956–
        A person held in contempt, esp. one ridiculed as weak, socially inept, or unfashionable; a fool; = wiener, n. 3. Also used as a general term of abuse.
   201. hard-on 1958–
        A stupid or contemptible person; (also) a difficult, tough, or aggressive person. Originally and frequently as a term of abuse.
   202. kuri 1959–
        slang. A despicable or contemptible person. Frequently as an abusive form of address. Cf. dog, n.¹ II.5a, mongrel, n. A.II.5a.
   203. rass hole 1959–
        coarse slang (chiefly Jamaican). = arsehole, n. 3.
   204. schmucko 1959–
        A stupid or obnoxious person; = schmuck, n. Frequently as a disparaging form of address.
   205. bitch ass 1961–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A contemptible, despicable, or worthless person. Chiefly as a term of abuse.
   206. effer 1961–
        slang. = fucker, n. 2.
   207. lamer 1961–
        A dull, unimpressive, or contemptible person; a person regarded as socially inept or out of touch. Cf. lame, adj. A.II.8, lame, n.¹ 3.
   208. spastic 1961–
        slang. offensive (usually derogatory or disparaging). A person who is uncoordinated, incompetent, or incapable; a fool, an idiot. Cf. spaz, n. 1.
   209. arsewipe 1962–
        derogatory. A foolish or contemptible person. Cf. asswipe, n. 2, arsehole, n. 3.
   210. asshole 1962–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly North American). A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably. Cf. arsehole, n. 3, shithole, n. 2.
   211. butthole 1962–
        A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves badly. Cf. asshole, n. 3.
   212. cock 1962–
        coarse slang. A stupid, contemptible, or annoying person (esp. a man or boy); esp. one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious…
   213. dipshit 1963–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person; an idiot.
   214. fist-fucker 1963–
        derogatory. A man or boy who (habitually) masturbates. Also (in extended use): a contemptible person.
   215. motherfuck 1964–
        U.S. coarse slang. = motherfucker, n. 1.
   216. dork 1965–
        A foolish, pathetic, or inept person, spec. a person (esp. a student) ridiculed as socially awkward, unfashionable, overly studious, or odd. Now…
   217. jive turkey 1966–
        A dishonest, insincere, or foolish person; also as a general term of abuse or disparagement.
   218. bumhole 1967–
        A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably. Cf. arsehole, n. 3.
   219. mofo 1967–
        = motherfucker, n.
   220. tosspot 1967–
        slang (chiefly British and Australian). A contemptible person, a fool. Cf. tosser, n. 1b.
   221. crudball 1968–
        An unpleasant or despicable person. Cf. crud, n.¹ A.2a.
   222. dipstick 1968–
        slang (originally U.S.). A stupid or obnoxious person. Cf. dipshit, n.
   223. douche 1968–
        slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, obnoxious, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably. Cf. douchebag, n. 2.
   224. frickface 1968–
        (Chiefly as a derogatory form of address) a foolish or contemptible person; cf. fuckface, n.
   225. schlong 1968–
        A foolish, incompetent, or contemptible person.
   226. fuckwit 1969–
        coarse slang (originally Australian). A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
   227. rassclaat 1969–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly Jamaican). A despicable or contemptible person; frequently as a term of abuse. Also as int.
   228. ass 1970–
        A person regarded as disagreeable, despicable, or contemptible. Cf. asshole, n. 3.
   229. wank 1970–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly British). An objectionable or contemptible person or (less commonly) thing. Cf. wanker, n. 1b.
   230. wiener 1970–
        North American colloquial. A person held in contempt, esp. one ridiculed as weak, socially inept, or unfashionable; a fool. Also used as a…
   231. fecker 1971–
        An undesirable, obnoxious, or contemptible person; = fucker, n. 2.
   232. wanker 1971–
        coarse slang (originally British). A foolish, stupid, or inept person. Also used more generally as a term of contempt or abuse. Cf. wank, n. A.2.
   233. butt-fucker 1972–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly North American). A contemptible or despicable person (chiefly as a term of abuse).
   234. culo 1972–
        slang (sometimes derogatory and potentially offensive). Typically in Spanish and Italian contexts: a person's buttocks; the bottom, the backside. Also: the anus; the rectum. Also: a stupid, irritating, or…
   235. slimeball 1972–
        colloquial (originally U.S.). A person regarded as disgusting, sleazy, immoral, or otherwise contemptible.
   236. bloodclaat 1973–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly Jamaican). In various imprecatory uses. A despicable or contemptible person; frequently as a term of abuse. Cf. rassclaat, n., pussyclaat, n.
   237. dickbreath 1973–
        An obnoxious or detestable person (esp. a male); often as an abusive form of address.
   238. fuckwad 1974–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). A contemptible person. Frequently as a term of abuse.
   239. mutha 1974–
        = motherfucker, n. Cf. mother, n.¹ I.7.
   240. suck 1974–
        Canadian slang. A worthless or contemptible person. Cf. suck, v. III.15f; suck-hole, n.
   241. cocksuck 1977–
        coarse slang. A stupid, obnoxious, or contemptible person. Usually as a form of address or term of abuse.
   242. lame-o 1977–
        A person regarded as socially inept or out of touch; a dull, unimpressive, or contemptible person. Cf. lamer, n., lame, n.¹ 3.
   243. Nimrod 1977–
        North American slang. Usually with lower-case initial. A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
   244. tosser 1977–
        A term of contempt or abuse for a person; a ‘jerk’. Cf. bugger, n.¹ 3a. slang.
   245. dickface 1978–
        An obnoxious or detestable person (esp. a male); often as an abusive form of address.
   246. lamester 1978–
        slang (originally U.S.). A dull, unimpressive, or contemptible person; a person regarded as socially inept or out of touch. Cf. lame, adj. A.II.8.
   247. shit cunt 1979–
        coarse slang. British a despicable person.
   248. plank 1981–
        British colloquial (mildly derogatory). A stupid or contemptible person. Cf. as thick as two planks at thick, adj. A.III.9b.
   249. sleazebag 1981–
        A sordid, despicable person, esp. one considered morally reprehensible; also attributive or as adj.
   250. dweeb 1982–
        A person held in contempt, esp. one ridiculed as studious, puny, or unfashionable; a fool. Cf. nerd, n.
   251. bumboclaat 1983–
        coarse slang(originally and chiefly Jamaican). A despicable or contemptible person; frequently as a term of abuse. Also as int.
   252. dickwad 1983–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Cf. jerkwad, n.
   253. scuzzbag 1983–
        A contemptible or despicable person; also as a general term of abuse; cf. scumbag, n. 2.
   254. sleazeball 1983–
        = sleazebag, n.; also attributive or as adj.
   255. butt-face 1984–
        A term of abuse for: an unattractive, annoying, or contemptible person.
   256. dickweed 1984–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
   257. sad case 1985–
        A pathetic, socially inept, or otherwise contemptible person.
   258. saddie 1985–
        A pathetic or contemptible person; = saddo, n.
   259. butt plug 1986–
        colloquial and derogatory (chiefly North American). A stupid or contemptible person. Also used as an abusive form of address.
   260. dickass 1988–
        slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). An obnoxious or idiotic person (esp. a male).
   261. jerkweed 1988–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. dickweed, n., jerkwad, n.
   262. dick-sucker 1989–
        coarse slang. A stupid or obnoxious person. Frequently as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. cocksucker, n. 2.
   263. microcephalic 1989–
        colloquial and derogatory. A stupid or contemptible person.
   264. wankstain 1990–
        A despicable or ineffectual person; often as an abusive form of address. Cf. shit stain, n. (b).
   265. dickbag 1991–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
   266. sadster 1992–
        A pathetic or contemptible person; = saddo, n.
   267. buttmunch 1993–
        A stupid, obnoxious, or contemptible person. Frequently as a term of (mild) abuse.
   268. dickweasel 1994–
        A duplicitous, obnoxious, or detestable person (esp. a male).
   269. fanny 1995–
        slang (originally and chiefly Scottish). A stupid, incompetent, or annoying person; an idiot.
   270. jackhole 1996–
        coarse slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably. Cf. asshole, n. 3.
   271. fassyhole 1997–
        coarse slang. Jamaican. A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably; also as a contemptuous form of address.
   272. asshat 1998–
        A stupid or contemptible person.
   273. fannybaws 2000–
        A stupid, annoying, or unpleasant person. Frequently as a disparaging form of address. Cf. fanny, n.¹ 5.
   274. fassy 2002–
        coarse slang. A stupid, irritating, or contemptible person; a person who behaves despicably. Also as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. fassyhole, n.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. mush-head 1846–
      A person who is weak, ineffectual, or easily influenced.
   2. to be putty in a person's hands 1867–
      to be putty (also to be like putty) in a person's hands: to be easily influenced or manipulated by a person.
   3. invertebrate 1869–
      figurative. As a term of contempt: a weak, insignificant, or despicable person; spec. one who lacks courage, vigour, resolve, or strength of…
   4. jellyfish 1883–
      figurative. A person of ‘flabby’ character, or deficient in energy, steadfastness, or ‘backbone’.
   5. zob 1911–
      A weak or contemptible person; a fool.
   6. akratic 1913–
      An akratic person.
   7. Milquetoast 1932–
      A timid, submissive, or ineffectual person, a milksop. Also †Mister Milquetoast.
   8. weakie 1934–
      Originally U.S., now chiefly Australian. A person who is weak in constitution, character, or ability; a weakling. Also: something that is weak or…
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/zɒb/

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

## Frequency

zob typically occurs fewer than 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.

zob is in frequency band 2, which contains words occurring between 0.001 and 0.01 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zob, n., 1910–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1910 | 0.0016
1920 | 0.0018
1930 | 0.002
1940 | 0.003
1950 | 0.0042
1960 | 0.0056
1970 | 0.0061
1980 | 0.0065
1990 | 0.0072
2000 | 0.008
2010 | 0.0077

zob, n. was first published in 1986; not fully revised.

zob, n. was last modified in December 2024.