darwin out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To remove (a person) from the gene pool when they engage in foolish, thoughtless, or reckless behavior.

Register: derogatory, humorous, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Let's face it, it's just not possible. A guy like that in The Bronx could never make it to the age where he could get a license. He'd be Darwinned-out before he was twelve.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “darwin out” mean?

To remove (a person) from the gene pool when they engage in foolish, thoughtless, or reckless behavior.

Is “darwin out” formal or informal?

darwin out is generally derogatory, humorous, slang.