Noun | Foolishness
Encyclopedia of British Slang
BERK
Noun | Mild | Foolishness
BERK Pronunciation: /b??k/ Part of Speech: Noun Severity Level: Mild Category: Foolishness
Definition
A berk is a fool or idiot.
Origins
From Cockney rhyming slang: Berkshire Hunt, rhyming with a crude term. Over time, most users forgot the original vulgarity.
Usage
Dont be a berk. You silly berk.
Cultural Insight
Sounds mild and slightly old-fashioned.
Carries far less force than its origin suggests.
Assessment
Classic, softened insult.
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. He currently lives in Holloway, North London. Contact: [email protected]
