Learn English – “Muppet” in American English

american-englishnounsslangtransatlantic-differences

I see an event is being organised in Washington, DC, called the Million Muppet March. In British English, at least, muppet has no very positive connotations:-

muppet (ˈmʌpɪt) — n slang a stupid person

Is that also the case in American slang?

Best Answer

In American English, 'muppet', capitalized or not, has no meaning other than being characterized by the Jim Henson branded characters. The idea of it being a 'stupid person' is unknown. Some of the Muppet characters are slow, others are bright, others have other personality traits.

To call someone in the US a muppet would only make one wonder, 'Which one? Miss Piggy? Fozzy? Beaker?'