# Richard

/ˈɹɪtʃɝd/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/richard
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a very rude or funny way to call someone a 'dick' or a jerk. It uses a common man's name as a joke because that name is often shortened to 'Dick'.

For teachers: a derogatory slang term for a contemptible or obnoxious person. It functions as a euphemistic or ironic substitute for the vulgarity 'dick', based on the traditional diminutive of the proper name.

## Examples

- Don't be such a Richard to your sister.
- He was acting like a total Richard at the party, so everyone eventually stopped talking to him.
- The comedian's routine relied on the audience's familiarity with the name's common nickname to land a series of puns about a particularly difficult boss named Richard.

## Usage notes

- Used as a common noun in this slang sense; often preceded by the indefinite article or a qualifier like 'total'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.