I've always wondered this, it's a term that is not always used to imply stupidity, but sometimes is in certain contexts. I ask because I'm currently writing a character whom I'd consider 'derpy' She's mostly intelligent most of the times, but sometimes she does like, silly things that don't make sense. One example is that she's supposed to mind wipe anyone who sees her true form who doesn't believe Kitsune exists. She then writes an apology letter to the person she wiped saying she MAY have wiped more memory than intended. (she doesn't sign the letter with her actual name though) Another instance of her being a derp is her panicking when watching a forest fire on the news, she throws a bucket of water at the screen (as in the bucket AND the water, thankfully only the bucket makes contact with the TV.) in an attempt to put out the fire. I personally think that Derpy really just means that sometimes wires get crossed the wrong way resulting in brain farts that are kind of amusing in hindsight.
I'm certainly not an authority on this, but I've heard it used two different ways. Sometimes it seems to mean what you're talking about, let's say "endearingly dumb or goofy." But I've also seen it used as an epithet, usually in online political arguments, to indicate someone who's so stupid that they actually believe <insert hot topic of the day>. I expect that context would make it clear which version you're using.
I yell "derp" as a substitute for "duh" almost. Like when I lost my sunglasses on my head. I eventually found them there, dubbed myself "derp," and went about my day.
Scatterbrained sounds about right, especially when she otherwise is pretty badass. I love the idea of a character who most of the time appears to be a non threat, until they take the situation seriously.
Derp is based on Mr. Derp from South Park, who subbed in the cafeteria for Chef. It means dorky, doofy, stupid in an almost 80s teen comedy, zany vibe.
This article says that "derp" does come from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, but that it was used in the movie Baseketball prior to them creating Mr. Derp for South Park. I honestly thought it was older than 1998, pretty surprised to learn this.
Haha. Okay. That makes sense. That phrase has never had crazy mass appeal, but we use it constantly at work. I think we even built it into the call system (kitchen tickets) somewhere, but I'll be damned if I can remember where, when, and what it was supposed to signify.
I never cared for South Park and never heard of that 1998 movie. As for my generation, let’s just say I remember President Kennedy and Project Mercury.
Derpy (Derp) has been re-defined by the related Rage Comics. "Le Derp" and "La Derpina" are usually the main characters. Derping around it just doing stupid stuff (Herping, Herp and Herpina being synonymous). With that I think the association today is "mildly comic / stupid".
I've seen staggering two-week-old kittens described as derp potatoes. Which gives me the idea that "derp" has an element of cuteness to it.
If you described someone to me as derpy, I'd think of it more of a lack of grace. This could be socially, intullectually, or physically. Waitress: Okay, enjoy your food. Derpy: thanks, you too. Wife: Okay, Bring home a bag of sugar. Oh, if they have baking soda, get that. Derpy comes home with baking soda and no sugar because he understood the request as an "if-then" exclusively. Quarterback tosses Hail Mary towards the end zone. Derpy reaches up to catch it, but trips on his own feet. He falls on his face. Finally, the ball lands on his head. Not necessarily stupid, just not graceful. They can be extremely intelligent. The closest
Waitress: and what would you like to drink? Me: What do you have? Waitress: Well, we have lemonade, Dr. Pepper, sweet tea, and coke products Me, an idiot: I'll take coke products please *immediate facepalm*
