whelp
A young dog or other pup; also a bratty young person.
Updated September 24, 2026
whelp pronunciation
/WELP/
Meaning
A whelp is a baby dog, wolf, or similar meat-eater, the old word before puppy took over everyday talk. Country folks still say it for a litter, and for a mouthy kid or young man who needs putting in his place. That second use is not a compliment. Out in the yard it can sound half joking; from a granddad it can sting.
How folks use it
- “That old bitch whelped six puppies under the porch.”
- “Get that whelp out of my toolshed before he breaks something.”
Origin and etymology
From Old English hwelp, the young of a dog. English kept it for animal young and later for saucy youths. Puppy crowded out the animal sense in polite talk, but rural speech and hunting talk held onto whelp. Separate Southern use also turns whelp into a misspoken welt (a raised mark on skin), which is a different word entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is whelp the same as welt?
No. A welt is a raised mark on your skin. Some Southern speakers say whelp for that too, but this entry means a young animal or a bratty kid.