derp
A nonsense sound or word used to mark comic foolishness, awkwardness, or a silly mistake.
By Cal Hewitt, Founder at Web Leveling · Researched from public sources ·
What it actually means
It is usually self-directed or used playfully, but it can be rude when aimed at a person. The meme face associated with it is part of its internet history.
See the quick definition in the derp dictionary entry.
Where it came from
The word was used in comedy before its online-meme spread. Accounts commonly point to the 1998 film BASEketball for an early popular-media use, but the exact origin is not settled.
No single person is credited, the origin is disputed.
Where it's popular
Most associated with comedy, imageboards, and early internet meme culture. This is a community and platform description, not a claim about national usage rates.
Online slang shifts quickly across platforms and age groups.
How it caught on
- Before current online useThe relevant base word or phrase existed in English or informal speech; the supplied source is the starting point for its documented meaning.
- Internet circulationThe form became recognizable in comedy, imageboards, and early internet meme culture; no precise first-post date is asserted without a verifiable primary record.
- Current useIt remains context-dependent and is commonly encountered in informal writing, memes, captions, or conversation.
How to use it
““That is so derp.””
A casual example showing the term in an informal sentence.
““I get what you mean, but calling it derp depends on the context.””
A careful example that does not assume a fixed tone.
““They used derp jokingly in the group chat.””
An example of online casual use.
Common mix-ups
It does not have one universal tone or meaning in every community.
Do you actually know it?
Do you actually know “derp”?
0/31. Which is the safest plain-English summary of “derp”?
2. What is the most responsible way to handle the origin of “derp”?
3. Where is this kind of slang most likely to appear?
Related slang
Questions people ask
What does “derp” mean?
A nonsense sound or word used to mark comic foolishness, awkwardness, or a silly mistake.
Is “derp” always an insult?
No. Tone, relationship, and platform can make the same term teasing, neutral, approving, or critical.
Who coined “derp”?
A single reliable coiner is not established in the sources used for this brief.
Can I use “derp” in formal writing?
Usually no. Use a plain-English equivalent unless you are quoting or explaining slang.
The spelling and tone of “derp” can carry as much social meaning as its dictionary definition.