wimp
B1Informal, slightly derogatory
Definition
Meaning
A weak, timid, or cowardly person who lacks strength of character.
Also used as a verb (to wimp out) meaning to act cowardly or back out of something due to fear or lack of courage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun for a person, but also a verb (phrasal verb 'wimp out'). The verb usage is especially common in US English. Implies a judgment on character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Verb form 'to wimp out' is more prevalent and established in AmE. In BrE, the noun may be slightly more common, though the verb is well understood.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects. Often used in a teasing or mildly insulting way among peers.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with similar frequency in informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[person] is a wimp[person] wimped out (of something)Don't be such a wimp!He's too wimpy to...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wimp out (on someone/something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, considered unprofessional. May appear in very informal internal criticism, e.g., 'He wimped out of the tough negotiation.'
Academic
Almost never used. Considered colloquial and imprecise.
Everyday
Common in personal, informal conversations, especially among younger speakers or in casual teasing.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He promised to go bungee jumping but wimped out at the last minute.
- Don't wimp out on us now!
American English
- She was going to confront her boss but totally wimped out.
- I can't believe you wimped out of the bet.
adverb
British English
- He wimpily declined the invitation, mumbling an excuse.
- (Rare, often replaced by 'in a wimpy way')
American English
- He smiled wimpily and backed away from the argument.
- (Rare, often replaced by 'like a wimp')
adjective
British English
- He gave a rather wimpy excuse for not attending.
- That was a wimpy attempt at an apology.
American English
- That's the wimpiest sandwich I've ever seen.
- Stop being so wimpy and stand up for yourself.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother is a wimp. He is afraid of spiders.
- Don't be a wimp! The water isn't cold.
- He's such a wimp that he won't even watch a scary film.
- She called him a wimp for not wanting to ride the roller coaster.
- The manager accused him of wimping out when he refused to make the difficult decision.
- His wimpy response to the criticism disappointed his team.
- The senator was criticized for his wimpish stance on the controversial bill, failing to take a firm position.
- The company's wimp-out on its environmental commitments sparked public outrage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WIMP as someone who Whimpers, Is Meek, and is a Pushover.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL WEAKNESS IS MORAL/CHARACTER WEAKNESS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'вимп' (побрякушка).
- Не является точным переводом 'слабак' (более грубое).
- 'Wimp' часто подразумевает недостаток смелости, а не только физической силы, как 'хиляк'.
Common Mistakes
- Using in formal writing.
- Confusing 'wimp' (noun/person) with 'wimpy' (adjective).
- Incorrect: 'He wimped the challenge.' Correct: 'He wimped out of the challenge.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'wimp'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and derogatory. While not a severe swear word, it is an insult and should be used cautiously, typically among friends or in teasing contexts.
Yes, it can be used for any gender, though it may have slightly masculine connotations due to traditional stereotypes about male bravery. 'Wimp' is applied to women as well.
'Coward' is stronger, more formal, and implies a profound lack of courage, often in a serious situation. 'Wimp' is more informal, often used for everyday fears or indecisiveness, and can sound more childish or teasing.
The etymology is uncertain. It first appeared in American English in the early 20th century. It may be influenced by 'whimper' or be a blend of words like 'whimsical' and 'simpleton.' Notably, it is NOT an acronym (e.g., 'Weak, Ineffectual, Miserable Person'), which is a false backronym created later.