Bonehead: meaning, definitions and examples

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bonehead

 

[ ˈboʊnˌhɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal usage

The term 'bonehead' is a slang expression used to describe a person who is perceived as foolish or stupid. It often implies a lack of intelligence or common sense. While not considered a serious insult, it can definitely be derogatory and is typically used in a light-hearted or joking manner. The usage of 'bonehead' suggests that the person has made a silly mistake or error in judgment.

Synonyms

blockhead, dunce, fool, nincompoop, simpleton

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a bonehead and pay attention in class.
  • He called himself a bonehead for forgetting her birthday.
  • Only a bonehead would drive in that weather.
  • My friends always tease me when I act like a bonehead.

Translations

Translations of the word "bonehead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça de osso

🇮🇳 गधा

🇩🇪 Dummkopf

🇮🇩 bodoh

🇺🇦 дурень

🇵🇱 głupek

🇯🇵 バカ

🇫🇷 idiot

🇪🇸 idiota

🇹🇷 aptal

🇰🇷 바보

🇸🇦 أحمق

🇨🇿 hlupák

🇸🇰 hlupák

🇨🇳 傻瓜

🇸🇮 neumenjak

🇮🇸 fífl

🇰🇿 ақылсыз

🇬🇪 ბუნტი

🇦🇿 axmaq

🇲🇽 tonto

Etymology

The word 'bonehead' has roots tracing back to the 1920s in American English. Initially, it referred literally to the head and particularly to the skull as being solid or devoid of intelligence, metaphorically suggesting a lack of brainpower. The term gained popularity in colloquial speech as a humorous or pejorative way to describe someone who has made a foolish decision or acted without thought. Its usage in literature and media has helped to cement its place in informal language, reflecting a playful approach to insult while resonating with the audience as an easily understandable term. Importantly, 'bonehead' exemplifies how language evolves in social contexts, adapting to the collective attitudes toward intelligence and common sense.