ENGLISH
REFERENCE

herbert

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈhɝbɝt// her·bert Slang

n. a person who is a bit silly, boring, or socially awkward. It is a gentle way to call someone a fool or a bit of a loser.

n. a foolish, socially inept, or unremarkable person. British slang in register; typically used as a mild pejorative to describe someone perceived as dull or incompetent.


SIMPLE

Don't be such a Herbert and just ask her for help.

CONTEXTUAL

The office was full of boring Herberts who only ever talked about their spreadsheets and weekend gardening.

COMPLEX

He was often dismissed as a harmless Herbert by his peers, though his quiet exterior masked a sharp, observant mind that missed very little of the social dynamics at play.

Origin

From Old French Herbert, from Frankish *Hariberht.

Usage

Commonly used in British English; often preceded by the adjective 'harmless' or 'complete'.

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