the wankers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the wankers" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and considered vulgar.
It can be used in contexts where you are expressing disdain or criticism towards a group of people, often in a humorous or sarcastic manner. Example: "I can't believe those wankers thought they could get away with cheating in the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The wankers on the other hand were tiresome pedants, more concerned with split infinitives and six-dollar words than with clarity.

The Guardian

"This is dedicated to all the wankers," she sneers sweetly as introduction to a sublime slice of spite pop attacking a coterie of guys who've screwed her over.

The Guardian - Music

If the berks of the policy world are too ready to give an opinion, the wankers never give an opinion on anything, except to say how complicated it is.

The Guardian

"Let's not forget all the faggots and the Jews, the wankers who control the banks, the foreigners who are behind them, who came in and fucked Greece," he insisted.

The Guardian

* I can't believe I'm giving this one away... this one's a gem...there's a parking lot right behind the convention center that goes for $5 (yes that is $15-20 cheaper than the far away Hilton parking lot that the wankers go to).

TechCrunch

The wankers appear like flies on top of newly found shit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Jamie, the wanker, is sent home.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Bianchi, the wanker, had started experimenting and had left Giordano out," said Maradona.

The Guardian - Sport

We may scale the hurdle of electing a lesbian mayor, but the wanker hurdle seems still too high.

The Guardian - Opinion

He serenades Tina, plays the wanker card himself, and the Ballymena (rhymes with Tina) one, and let's-bond-over-bereavement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Are you in the band?'" Man 1 (excited) "The wanker of Oz!" Man 2 (happy to have worked out a phrase that those around him would be hearing a lot more of) "Exactly".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the wankers" sparingly and be mindful of your audience. This phrase is highly informal and can be offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "the wankers" in formal writing or professional settings. It is generally inappropriate for business communication or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the wankers" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a common noun phrase. It refers to a group of people and acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is usable, though vulgar. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in expressing disdain.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the wankers" is a noun phrase used to express strong disapproval or contempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable but vulgar, making it inappropriate for formal contexts. Its primary function is to negatively characterize a group of people, and it is most commonly found in informal settings, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically correct, careful consideration should be given to the audience and context before using this phrase. Alternatives such as "the idiots" or "the jerks" may be more suitable in less casual environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the arseholes

Equivalent in meaning and vulgarity to "wankers".

the assholes

American equivalent of "arseholes", implying unpleasantness.

the idiots

Replaces "wankers" with a more general term for foolishness.

the fools

Similar to "idiots", but carries a slightly stronger sense of mockery.

the jerks

A less offensive term for unpleasant or annoying people.

the pricks

Another vulgar term denoting unpleasant or contemptible people.

the scumbags

A more aggressive term implying moral reprehensibility.

the bastards

A stronger, more vulgar term expressing anger or resentment.

the losers

Focuses on a lack of success or competence.

the incompetent ones

Highlights a lack of ability or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "the wankers" in a sentence?

You can use "the wankers" to express disdain or contempt towards a group of people, but be mindful of the highly informal and potentially offensive nature of the phrase. Example: "I can't believe "the wankers" thought they could get away with that."

What can I say instead of "the wankers"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the idiots", "the fools", or "the jerks".

Is it appropriate to use "the wankers" in formal writing?

No, "the wankers" is generally inappropriate for formal writing due to its vulgar and informal nature. Consider more professional alternatives.

What is the origin of using the word "wanker" to describe someone?

The term "wanker" originates as a derogatory term for someone who masturbates, but it has evolved to broadly describe someone who is foolish, annoying, or contemptible.