when do you use "runt"?

Question

when do you use "runt"?
is it small children or animal.?
it the meaning negative?

Answer 1

the origin of runt came from an animal. The small, weak one of the litter. Now its used in slang for anything thats small, weak or puny. Used in reference to children when teasing or joking (what are the little runts doing in the kitchen?) or when making fun of friends (come on runt, pick it up. It's not *that* heavy) etc.

It's negative if used with a rude tone, like dumb. You can say to a good friend like "that was dumb" and they wouldn't be offended, but saying "you're dumb" to someone you don't know well is obviously negative. Same with runt. Don't say "your son is a runt" to someone you've just met.

funny, i was just talking to my friend about this yesterday :p

Answer 2

Runt is usually used to describe a small underdeveloped animal. some would find it insulting if they were called runt.....but many adults do this with passion for the love of their little one which is ok

Answer 3

It's not nice, but it's one of the those words that can be used meanly or affectionately. It means the smallest of the litter, and those animals are usually killed (ever read "Charlotte's Web"? Wilbur was the runt). You can use it for kids, too.

Answer 4

runt is an under weight animal, also used in the military to insult new recruits

Answer 5

When I hear the word 'runt', its when my Grandpa is talking to me!

Answer 6

An undersized animal. Dictionary.com, dude.

Answer 7

the meaning is somewhat negative...it means the weakest of the litter...usually applied to animals..but can be applied to humans