Dorky Meaning in English

word

US

ˈdɔɹki

DOR-kee

UK

dˈɔːki

DAW-kee

Definition

Describes someone or something that is socially awkward, uncool, or strange in a silly or unfashionable way. Usually said in a light or playful manner, not to be harsh.

Usage & Nuances

'Dorky' is informal and mildly teasing; it can sound affectionate or mocking depending on the tone. Commonly describes appearance ('dorky glasses'), behavior, or style. Softer than 'nerdy' or 'geeky'; focus is on awkwardness or lack of coolness. Avoid using seriously as an insult.

• Spanish: ñoño - nerd - tonto (coloquial)
• Portuguese (BR): cafona - bobo (gíria) - nerd
• Portuguese (PT): totó - tonto (gíria) - nerd
• Chinese (Simplified): 呆呆的 - 土气的 - 傻气的
• Chinese (Traditional): 呆呆的 - 土氣的 - 傻氣的
• Hindi: बेवकूफ़ी वाला - अजीब (स्लैंग) - नीरद
• Arabic: غريب (عامية) - أخرق - محرج
• Bengali: বোকাসোকা - হাস্যকরভাবে আনকুল
• Russian: лузерский - нелепый (в шутливом смысле)
• Japanese: ダサい
• Vietnamese: ngố - ngớ ngẩn (một cách dễ thương)
• Korean: 촌스럽다 - 어색하다 (귀엽거나 장난스럽게)
• Turkish: salakça - garip (şakacı şekilde)
• Urdu: بونگا - معصومانہ مضحکہ خیز
• Indonesian: norak - canggung (dengan cara lucu)

Example Sentences

He's wearing a dorky sweater.

basic

My dorky dance moves make everyone laugh.

basic

She smiled at his dorky jokes.

basic

I know these glasses look dorky, but I love them.

natural

Don’t worry about being dorky—just have fun!

natural

His dorky sense of humor is actually kind of cute.

natural