"Wanker" gets big laugh at my expense.

[SarahD]

So I heard the term "wanker" many times, watching Brit sitcoms and comedy sketches, etc. I realized it was some sort of insult but I didn't know it was a term for chronic masturbator. A group of us were talking and somebody referred to Mitch McConnell as a wanker, so I asked what it meant. Boy, did they have a laugh on me! Anyway, now I know, and so do you, so you don't have to suffer my embarrassing moment.

[Ptah]

1. wank·er

wank·er
/ˈwaNGkər/
nounVULGAR SLANG•BRITISH
a contemptible person (used as a general term of abuse).

[IA8IT]

2. Next "Posh Tosser"

[getagrip_already]

3. I always thought

It was a person whacking off. Guess I was wrong.....

[SarahD]

4. You were right.

The Brits call it wanking off, or tossing off. Wanker and tosser are the corresponding insults.

[TlalocW]

5. I would be so embarrassed

That while everyone was celebrating Palm Sunday, I would climb a tall building to toss myself off, beating off anyone who tried to stop me

[a kennedy]

6. and so sorry for getting political here.......but lotsa folk in Wisconsin called the X Governor

Walker, a Wanker. We all despise him. 🤬 🤬 🤬

[Earth-shine]

7. Damn! I thought "wanker" was the actual penis.

Calling someone a wanker would be like saying you're a dick.

I'm glad I have DU to disabuse me of these notions.

[JoseBalow]

8. same as "pajero" in Spanish

It's more like calling someone "a jerk-off", than it is a label for someone who jerks off, which technically it is.

It's a subtle distinction

[Laffy Kat]

9. One of the patients I checked-in at the clinic where I work...

Had the unfortunate name of Wanker. I discreetly warned the staff in advance so they wouldn't be caught off guard, although I shouldn't have worried, as they are quite professional (well, most of them).