Diesel fuel intended for use in road vehicles and taxed accordingly. British English. Pronounced "durv" to rhyme with curve. Originally an acronym for Diesel Engined Road Vehicle.
Background: Diesel fuel in Britain is supplied in two forms, derv for road vehicles, and cheaper, lower-taxed "gas oil" or "red diesel" for boats, generators, agricultural equipment, construction plant and other non-road use. The two forms are coloured and chemically tagged to enable inspectors to distinguish between them. The tags can be detected in *extremely* small concentrations, and the use of gas-oil in a road vehicle is an offence punishable with *very* heavy fines (Hell hath no fury like a government denied tax revenue).
Background: Diesel fuel in Britain is supplied in two forms, derv for road vehicles, and cheaper, lower-taxed "gas oil" or "red diesel" for boats, generators, agricultural equipment, construction plant and other non-road use. The two forms are coloured and chemically tagged to enable inspectors to distinguish between them. The tags can be detected in *extremely* small concentrations, and the use of gas-oil in a road vehicle is an offence punishable with *very* heavy fines (Hell hath no fury like a government denied tax revenue).
by RB1956 March 26, 2008
The term derv means homosexuality, often used in Australia as slang for people who act straight but are homosexual.
by keyboard warrior 324 October 21, 2015
by Makunt Izichi December 27, 2018
by AngryJ May 10, 2008
Derve is an alternative word for alcohol. It can also be used to describe the consumption of alcohol.
by Dervetbh January 11, 2012