ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carl

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkɑɹɫ// UK //kˈɑːl// carl Archaic Informal

n. a slang name for a person who is very boring or follows the rules too much. It is often used to tease someone who does not want to have fun or take risks.

n. a pejorative slang term for a person perceived as dull, socially awkward, or overly conventional. Used primarily in informal British and Australian English to mock someone for a lack of personality or excitement.


SIMPLE

Don't be such a Carl; come out to the party with us.

CONTEXTUAL

He refused to go on the roller coaster, so his friends started calling him a Carl for the rest of the trip.

Etymology 1

From Germanic, cognate with English Charles. * From German and other north European Carl and Karl. * From Latin Carolus.

Etymology 2

Shortening.

Usage

Used as a common noun rather than a proper name in this slang context; often follows 'be such a'.

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