Welp
/wɛlp/noun
An informal interjection expressing resignation, disappointment, or reluctant acceptance.
Did you know?“Welp” is generally understood as a deliberately altered form of “well,” using its final consonant to make hesitation and resignation feel audible.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“To wish, be willing, or be in a favorable condition; the reconstructed root behind several Germanic words associated with well-being and desire.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wel-
“Well or favorably; the Germanic source of the adverb later represented by English well.”
Old English
Old English
wel
“Well, in a good manner, or satisfactorily.”
Middle English
Middle English
wel / well
“Well; also used as a conversational word to introduce a response or pause.”
20th Century
American English
welp
“An informal respelling or phonetic alteration of well, especially associated with comic resignation.”
Modern English
English
welp
“An interjection signaling that something has gone wrong, ended awkwardly, or must simply be accepted.”