Dork
/dɔːrk/noun
A foolish, socially awkward, or inept person.
Did you know?The modern insult sense appears to have developed from an earlier vulgar American slang meaning for the penis, although the word’s deeper origin remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
dork
“A rare dialectal or slang form with uncertain origin; early evidence is obscure.”
Early 20th Century
American English
dork
“Recorded in vulgar slang as a term for the penis.”
Mid-20th Century
American English
dork
“Began to be used as an insult for a foolish or contemptible person.”
1960s–1970s
English
dork
“The socially awkward, uncool-person sense became increasingly established.”
Modern English
English
dork
“A foolish, awkward, or socially inept person; often used mildly or humorously.”