Deriving most probably from a combination of an abbreviation of the word numb (meaning deprived of feeling), numskull or numbskull (meaning stupid person) with the name 'Humpty Dumpty' - the nursery rhyme character who in his foolishness fell off the wall - not good for someone made of eggshell!
In other words a numpty is a person who is, by their own actions or statements, demonstrably preoccupied, forgetful, naiive or stupid in some regard. It is perfectly possible to be highly skilled or educated to a greater degree yet a complete numpty when it comes to certain aspects of one's life.
The term is at the lesser end of insults and may generally be used amongst friends without causing too great an offence, especially if the recipient of the term has already shown the deservedness of its attribution.
A Numpty may otherwise be known as a Fuckwit - Idiot - Idjeet (Scottish) - Halfwit - Numbskull - Dumbass - Moron - Bozo - Twit - Dumbfuck - Spaceman
Almost a numpty? Not quite but they are close relatives and their behaviour or lack of appreciation / understanding of a given question or situation may to some degree display numpty heritage and influences - Buffoon - Jackass - Clown
Whilst the most common spelling is undoubtedly that of 'numpty' variants do exist, notably 'numptie' (probably deriving from the popular Dutch spelling of Humptie Dumptie) and 'numbty' (which just shifts the balance of the word combination ever so slightly, preserving the b from the word numb, instead of taking the p from humpty)
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall / The big old Numpty had a great fall / All the king's horses and all the king's men / Couldn't put that fuckwit back together again!
Internet Numpty - one who actually believes the 419 scam - otherwise known as a gullible and greedy numpty, resulting in a large exodus of cash from their bank account
Family Numpty - one who forgets a reasonably close relative's birthday, with various results dependent upon the age and mental stability of the one who has been forgotten
Driving Numpty - one who spasmodically changes their mind and lane repeatedly when approaching a roundabout, resulting in hasty defensive action from those alongside or following
Cookery Numpty - one who leaves the food in the oven for twice as long as they should, thus reducing it to inedible goo and causing a hasty visit to the takeaway
Drinking Numpty - one who manages to completely miss their mouth, resulting in wasted liquid and a giveaway stain down the front of their clothing
Smoking Numpty - one who manages to attempt to light up the wrong end of a cigarette, resulting in a wasted tab and aura of burnt filter
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