Berk

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Berk is a slang term derived from Cockney rhyming slang. It is a shortened version of Berkeley Hunt, the hunt based at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. In the rhyming slang, "hunt" is made to rhyme with cunt giving the word berk its original slang meaning.[1] It is not perceived to be excessively rude, perhaps because whilst it is known for being a slang word, its real meaning is not well known. Similar to Charlie Hunt as in "he's a right Charlie" another Cockney saying - Charlie Hunt being a local east end figure of the time this saying was common.

It is also, perhaps more commonly, used to mean idiot, in an affectionate sense.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chambers Dictionary: Entry for berk
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