Berk

Origin of: Berk

Berk

British slang for someone not held in high esteem. Its origin is rhyming slang c.1930 from Berkeley or Berkshire Hunt. Yes. Hunt rhymes with you know what, the infamous c word. Its original meaning and usage has softened with time, but next time someone is referred to as a berk, at least be mindful of its extremely vulgar and insulting origin.