My son came out and called me a "Gronk" yesterday. I'm a bit hesitant to ask him what it means. Any guesses?

Question

I'm old school so he's either pulling my leg or I'm in for another word that's bound to be added to "groovy" in the Websters Dictionary!

Answer 1

The word, "gronk", has a myriad of meanings.

In prison parlance, it's a derogatory term for inmates used by prison guards. Linguists, however, are divided. Some suggest it means "sex slave"; others say that it refers to a Neanderthal or a brutish person with limited intellect. But no matter how many uncomplimentary descriptions can be dug up, Gronk is now the name of a fledgling fashion label.

Answer 2

That is so strange! My nephew used to use that word for anyone he was mad at. He did not know any meaning for it. (He was 3 at the time and it had not been used by anyone around him.) We added he just liked the sound of it and it was a lot better than other words he could have chosen. I guess if your son is older then he might have a meaning behind it. (I still think he may be pulling your leg-- how many young people research strange words to call their parents! I have not heard it used in popular slang)

Answer 3

It may have more than one meaning, depending on factors such as cultural/generational context, but my guess is he intended the following meaning:

a general term of derogation for a man, especially one considered weak, stupid, or brutish.

Answer 4

Sounds like something out of Harry Potter.

Answer 5

That word has been around since the sixties. We used to use it to mean someone who is very tiresome.

Answer 6

if you're old school haven't you ever seen the 60's tv show "It's about Time" where 'Gronk' was a caveman (i think his wife was 'Shad'). it sure wasn't a compliment but our kids do keep us on our toes.