feeb
very low / obsoletedated slang, derogatory
Definition
Meaning
(slang, chiefly US) A feeble-minded person; a fool or idiot.
An incompetent, weak, or ineffectual person; a contemptible simpleton. Derogatory and dated slang.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A shortened form of 'feeb', from 'feeble-minded'. It carries connotations of both mental weakness and general ineffectiveness. Primarily a US term from early-mid 20th century, now largely obsolete and potentially offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and was used almost exclusively in American English. Its use in British English is extremely rare, likely only understood as an Americanism.
Connotations
In both dialects, it is strongly derogatory, implying stupidity and incompetence. However, in the US context, it also carries a period-specific, 'gangster' or 'hardboiled detective' slang flavour from the 1930s-1950s.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both dialects. Historical usage would have been higher in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP be a feeb.That feeb V.Don't be such a feeb.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dumb as a feeb (rare)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used; potentially used in historical linguistic studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it would be in a jocular, archaizing, or deliberately obscure way.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
American English
- That was a feeb attempt. (rare, slang use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the old movie, the gangster called the informant a 'feeb'.
- The detective dismissed the suspect's alibi, muttering, 'What a feeb.'
- The term 'feeb', a clipping of 'feeble-minded', is now considered both archaic and offensive, a linguistic relic of a less sensitive era.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FEEBLE, then chop off the 'le' to get FEEB – a feeble-minded person.
Conceptual Metaphor
MIND IS STRENGTH (a weak mind = a feeble person).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'fib' (a small lie).
- Do not confuse with 'phoebe' (a bird/name).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'feap' or 'feep'.
- Using it in modern, formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
'Feeb' is primarily:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered obsolete. You will almost never encounter it in modern English.
It is a shortened form of 'feeble-minded', used as a slang insult in early-to-mid 20th century America.
Yes, as it was historically used to insult someone's intelligence or competence, it is derogatory. Given its connection to 'feeble-minded', a dated term for intellectual disability, it is considered offensive.
No. Learners should be aware of its meaning for comprehension of old films or books, but it should not be used in contemporary speech or writing due to its obscurity and offensive nature.