DERP

About

Derp is an expression associated with stupidity, much like the earlier forms of “duh” and “dur.” In image macros, the subject is typically portrayed with eyes that are pointed to each side and a caption that reads “DERP.” The words “herp” and “derp” are often used in rage comics to replace nondescript names or parts of conversation. (See also Are You a Wizard)

Origin

The first known instance of the word “derp” comes from the 1998 film Baseketball by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. During a scene where they are caught smelling underwear taken from a woman’s private drawer, Matt runs out of the room and says “Derp.”

Spread

The 34th episode of South Park titled “The Succubus” aired on April 21st, 1999, featuring a character named Mr. Derp who briefly served as the chef’s replacement. In this episode the character performs various slapstick clichés like striking himself on the head with a hammer while exclaiming “Derp!”. South Park has included use of the word “derp” in other episodes as well, including a spoof of Rob Schneider.

A Memebase^[2] site for Derp derivatives was created on June 20th, 2010. A Facebook^[5] fan page has 25,662 likes as of August 22nd, 2011.

Definitions

Internetslang.com^[3] defines derp as the following:

What is DERP?
DERP is “Reply to stupid comment or action”

DERP Definition / DERP Means
The definition of DERP is “Reply to stupid comment or action”

The Meaning of DERP
DERP means “Reply to stupid comment or action”

On Urban Dictionary^[4], there are a total of 31 entry submissions defining the word “Derp,” with the earliest instance dating back to May 21st, 2003. Several entries credit Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the coinage of the term, as shown in the 1998 film Baseketball.

A word utterred when one screws up. origin: Matt Stone and Trey Parker in BASEketball. Used as an interjection.

Rage Comic Usage

“Herp” and “derp” are often used in rage comics as place holders for names or topics in conversation that are not crucial in whatever story or joke is being told. A rage character named Herp Derp is meant to represent stupidity or ignorance.

Derpy Hooves

A character from the cartoon television series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was named “Derpy Hooves” due to an animation error that gave her a wall-eyed apperance in a scene during the show.

Notable Derivatives

Search

Search queries for “derp” have steadily increased since 2009, and have yet to reach their highest peak as of August 22nd, 2011.

External Links