Definition of a numptie

[Bodo]

I am looking for a serious definition for the term 'numptie'.
I want to find a German translation for the online-dictionary www.leo.org.
LEO includes more than 300000 entries, as well as the sh!thead, plonker, etc.

I understand that the numptie is some kind of unexpected obstruction in fluent traffic which itself is oblivious.

Correct me if there is something totally wrong or just post your personal definition.
(humor explicitely invited/desired!)

[PetrolTed]

see here

www.pistonheads.com/rants/default.asp?storyId=3585

[campbell]

Well a numptie could be some traveling along on a ,otorway in the middle lane in his pice of eurocrap when the road is empty
That makes me want to aand hit my head off a

[Bodo]

Thanks!

I learned the correct spelling: n u m p t y

It is a very concise description; are there any variations?

Think of the ords: ordinary people who drive Mectras or Vondeos and do not understand the boyracers in hothatches, the unconcerned in their muddy Land-Rovers, the punks in their rusty Fiestas, the Rockers on their Harley, ...

Is a numpty similar to a creeper, or is creeping just one attribute?

[CarZee]

Re. the English <-> Deutsch, I reckon Schwachkopf is the ideal one, but them my command of German Idioms is limited....

I tried translations of Idiot, Cretin, Moron and Imbecile, and they all come up with Schwachkopf as an option - when I reverse the translation I get:

cretin [coll.] der Schwachkopf
dickhead [vulg.] der Schwachkopf
dunce der Schwachkopf
half wit der Schwachkopf
imbecile der Schwachkopf
moron der Schwachkopf
nitwit der Schwachkopf

[Bodo]

@carzee
yeah, a numptie must be a Schwachkopf (direct: weakhead), but Schwachköpfe appear in all forms of life, not just behind the steeringwheel...

We agree that a numpty is a member of the main group "Schwachkopf"

[CarZee]

Yeah - but numpties appear in all aspects of life - the term isn't used exclusively to do with motorists, you see - I know of it being used in the more general sense for at least 10 years now..

[Bodo]

alright, I did not know.
I could meet a numpty in non-traffic situations, then.

In the past, I translated 'Schwachkopf' with 'moron'.
Is there any difference between a numpty and a moron? Is a numpty moronic?

[mondeoman]

Its certainly a commonly used term - my boss uses it when a customer is trying it on, as in "does he think we're a bunch of numpties?"

I wonder if its just a shortened version of numbskull - this would give a "direct" translation to Schwachkopf wouldn't it? so the German term could become Schwachty.........

Then again maybe not.

[steveab]

quote:
Re. the English <-> Deutsch, I reckon Schwachkopf is the ideal one, but them my command of German Idioms is limited....

I tried translations of Idiot, Cretin, Moron and Imbecile, and they all come up with Schwachkopf as an option - when I reverse the translation I get:

cretin [coll.] der Schwachkopf
dickhead [vulg.] der Schwachkopf
dunce der Schwachkopf
half wit der Schwachkopf
imbecile der Schwachkopf
moron der Schwachkopf
nitwit der Schwachkopf

Don't Schwachkopf make girly shampoo, or is my German hoplessly Kacke?

[Bodo]

I estimate the term 'numpty' would become more popular in the German language, because they tend to use English expressions "Anglizismen", more than creating new German words.

I was surprised, when I read, that 50% of the German population speaks and understands the English language!
In my opinion, that means, that they are able to order a beer at least...

@steveab
I think you mean Schwarzkopf (direct: blackhead); but that is not kacke, though.

NUMPTY-SHAMPOO

>> Edited by Bodo on Thursday 11th April 14:27

[cockers]

quote:
I was surprised, when I read, that 50% of the German population speaks and understands the English language!

That surprises me too, because I'd say only about 33% of the English population is able to speak and understand English, judging by the f**kwits I bump into most days of the week.

[Bodo]

quote:
That surprises me too, because I'd say only about 33% of the English population is able to speak and understand English, judging by the f**kwits I bump into most days of the week.

Does that mean, that the other 67% could at least order a beer?
I cannot understand the meaning of the word 'f**kwits' could you please post a translation found at LEO?

[element]

f**kwit = double numpty

[element]

btw I have an example of a letter sent by a german numpty trying to order a jet turbine for a replica batman car he wants to build, and the superb reply from the manufacturer.
I can't post it here as it's scanned in, so I can't copy/paste it.
If any german speakers want it then mail me and I'll send it as a word attatchment to you.

[.mark]

STOP, STOP people are beginnig to think I'm mad (numpty??) You know when suddenly you burst out laughing and others just turn and stare?

[Bodo]

@element: you've got mail...

@.mark: don't worry; I'm one of these, too. The others are the numpties, and they're quite embarrassed when they see me in my favourite environment

[Bodo]

element
has sent me the Batman-correspondence. Unfortunately it is too long, to translate it, but I'll describe the contence in short words:

Jürgen writes to MTU (Part of Daimler-Chrysler) www.mtu.de, and tells that he has seen the latest Batman-Movie
(back in 1995), and plans to build his own Batmobile. He has everything together, except the turbine engine.
A friend of him, who has been employed at MBB recommended to contact MTU.
Jürgen described his requirements: 100cm long, 40cm diameter and a darting flame should come
out the rear end.

The style of Jürgen's letter was quite familiar, not very business-like; he used words similar to:
'goes like hot sh!t off a shovel', 'as an old tinker, I ...'

It is quite surprising, that MTU answered:
They described that their range of jet engines start at 25cm dia with 420hp@75kg and goes up
to 250cm with 30tons power.
Unfortunately the trail is invisible and you need a road tanker to pull around the block.
Writing style was as familar as Jürgens; I try to translate the last two sentences:
We are aware that this kind of engine (afterburner) -even if one bangs it just for a few seconds for
visual effects- reaches earlier its target than the driver with his seat.
But Batman could not cope with this thing. He would be left aside and disgraced

I hope I have not made too many mistakes - revisions and questions regarding sense are invited!

Well, I do not know if Jürgen is the numpty: if he gets the kerosene storage problem managed, Batman will be the numptie!
And Jürgen will never be the one who is doing 40 on the middle lane

[bob the planner]

quote:
Yeah - but numpties appear in all aspects of life - the term isn't used exclusively to do with motorists, you see - I know of it being used in the more general sense for at least 10 years now..

I first came across Numpty as being a person of less than aerage intelligence in Yeovil - Now if you are less than average in Somerset ....

This was a good 10 years ago.

Seems to apply to a few of the Dorset residents s well especially the N who scrapped dorn the side of my car going forward into a parking space in a disco (or does Numpty apply to all disco drivers ?)

BTB

[ZZR600]

quote:

.

Seems to apply to a few of the Dorset residents s well especially the N who scrapped dorn the side of my car going forward into a parking space in a disco (or does Numpty apply to all disco drivers ?)

BTB

---

i know what you mean about N Dorset just watch out for the wicker man .......... although i see he's now by the M5 at Bridgewater

>> Edited by ZZR600 on Friday 12th April 21:54