herpe

English

Etymology

Back-formation from herpes.

Pronunciation

• Homophone: herpie

Noun

herpe (plural herpes)

1. (hypercorrect, humorous) A herpes infection.
   • 2001 July 14, cultcuts, “They're Playing with Fire........................”, in alt.horror‎^[1] (Usenet), retrieved 2022-05-18:

     I'll never understand the psychological make up of several people who come back from time to time when it is obvious that their rhetoric isn't wanted. Yet, they come back like a Herpe monthly.
     Trolls = Herpes. I think that's fitting.

   • 2002 November 10, Tara, “Zac Hanson in a Speedo with naked toes”, in alt.fan.hanson‎^[2] (Usenet), retrieved 2022-05-18:

     >The little 'blister/herpes' deal you're referring to is called a break-out. I'm sure you've had one before.
     
     Actually no, I've never had a herpe before.

   • 2004 April 1, Jerry K., “Cypress”, in rec.skydiving‎^[3] (Usenet), retrieved 2022-05-18:

     >I got around...
     
     Heh. Like a herpe?

Asturian

Noun

herpe m (plural herpes)

1. (medicine) herpes (viral disease)