What does this slang term mean?

Find definitions, authentic UK slang origins, meanings, and contextual sentence examples on Streetionary.

Wanker Meaning - Streetionary

Wanker (noun / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Wank, Wankers, Wankstain)

Definition:

Wanker is a British insult for someone who is stupid, arrogant or contemptible. It literally refers to a person who masturbates.

Where Wanker Comes From:

It dates to the early 20th century in British English, from “wank”, a vulgar term for masturbation. It became a staple UK insult and appears often in British films and sitcoms.

How People Actually Use Wanker:

Used for someone annoying or pompous: “he’s a total wanker”. Friends may use it jokingly, but it is usually an insult.

Is Wanker Rude?

Yes. It is a mild-to-strong insult and vulgar, so avoid it in polite or professional settings.

Examples in the Wild:

“He cut me up on the roundabout, the wanker.”Meaning: He was an idiot who drove badly.
“Don’t be such a wanker.”Meaning: Stop being annoying or arrogant.
“My boss is a right wanker.”Meaning: My boss is unpleasant and arrogant.