minger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowVery informal, slang, vulgar (pejorative)
Quick answer
What does “minger” mean?
A derogatory slang term for a person considered physically unattractive or repulsive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A derogatory slang term for a person considered physically unattractive or repulsive.
Used to describe someone who is extremely unattractive, either physically or in terms of their demeanor or personality, with connotations of being dirty, scruffy, or unpleasant to look at. Can also be applied humorously to unattractive objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Almost exclusively British (and Irish) slang. The term is virtually unknown and unused in American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly implies a combination of ugliness and poor hygiene or sleaziness. It lacks specific American cultural associations.
Frequency
Common in British youth slang and popular culture from the 1990s/2000s, but still in use. Considered dated by some younger speakers. Extremely rare to non-existent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “minger” in a Sentence
That X is a {adjective} minger.I wouldn't date him, he's a total minger.She called him a minger.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “minger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He was absolutely minging after the football match.
- That's a minging shirt.
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never appropriate.
Academic
Never appropriate.
Everyday
Only in highly informal, often youthful settings where crude slang is accepted. Risky and offensive in most contexts.
Technical
N/A
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minger”
- Using it in formal or polite company.
- Assuming it is understood in American English.
- Using it as a non-offensive joke with strangers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not typically classified among the strongest swear words, but it is vulgar, offensive, and highly pejorative slang. It should be avoided in polite or formal conversation.
Yes, though less common. The related adjective 'minging' is more frequently used for objects (e.g., 'a minging smell,' 'a minging flat').
'Ugly' is a standard descriptive adjective. 'Minger' is a crude, slang noun with stronger connotations of disgust, often implying dirtiness, sleaze, or repulsiveness beyond just physical appearance.
No, the term is applied to all genders, though its usage historically has often been misogynistic. Context and tone determine the target.
A derogatory slang term for a person considered physically unattractive or repulsive.
Minger is usually very informal, slang, vulgar (pejorative) in register.
Minger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪŋə/, and in American English it is pronounced N/A. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A face like a slapped arse (similar vulgar connotation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MINGE' (another vulgar British slang) + '-ER' – suggesting a person who is associated with that vulgarity/unpleasantness.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTIVENESS IS CLEANLINESS / UNATTRACTIVENESS IS FILTH (The word evokes disgust related to dirt and unpleasant smells).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the slang term 'minger' primarily used?