don't be a numpty
- idiom
- Offensive
:
no seas idiota
- Don't be a numpty; just follow the instructions.
Examples
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If you want to get there on time, don't be a numpty and leave late.
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She told him, 'don't be a numpty—read the signs before you park.'
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Please don't be a numpty!
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I told him, don't be a numpty and forget your keys!
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Don't be a numpty; just follow the instructions to avoid making mistakes.
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To avoid any problems at the party, don't be a numpty and forget to bring a gift.
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If you're unsure about the answer, don't be a numpty; just ask the teacher for help.
Synonyms
To do something silly without thinking
How Foolish
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward, literal composition: 'don't' (negation) + 'be' (copula) + 'a' (article) + 'numpty' (a noun meaning a foolish person). If a B1 learner knows the constituent words — including the slang noun 'numpty' — the admonition 'don't be a numpty' is directly and transparently derivable; however, note that 'numpty' is informal/British slang and may be unknown to some learners.
Etymology
Don't be a numpty comes from British slang. One popular story says the word numpty came from the image of an 'empty' head, so saying don't be a numpty means 'don't be foolish' or 'don't act silly'.