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Egghead: meaning, definitions and examples

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egghead

 

[ ˈɛɡˌhɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal slang

An egghead is a slang term for an intellectual, someone who is highly academic or studious, often perceived as socially awkward. Typically used in a humorous or disparaging way, it implies that a person is more focused on scholarly pursuits than practical or social abilities.

Synonyms

brainiac, geek, intellectual, scholar.

Examples of usage

  • He's such an egghead, always buried in books.
  • The eggheads at the university developed a complex theory.
  • Her friends call her an egghead because of her love for mathematics.

Translations

Translations of the word "egghead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça de ovo

🇮🇳 अंडा मस्तिष्क

🇩🇪 Eierkopf

🇮🇩 kepala telur

🇺🇦 яйцеподібна голова

🇵🇱 jajogłowy

🇯🇵 卵頭

🇫🇷 tête d'œuf

🇪🇸 cabeza de huevo

🇹🇷 yumurta kafası

🇰🇷 계란 머리

🇸🇦 رأس بيضة

🇨🇿 vajíčková hlava

🇸🇰 vajíčková hlava

🇨🇳 蛋头

🇸🇮 jajčna glava

🇮🇸 egghead

🇰🇿 жұмыртқа бас

🇬🇪 კვერცხის თავი

🇦🇿 yumurta baş

🇲🇽 cabeza de huevo

Etymology

The term 'egghead' originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The earliest recorded usage dates back to around 1930, often used to mock or poke fun at intellectuals or those with an overly academic demeanor. The word likely derives from the visual association of an egg-shaped head, suggesting a lack of physical prowess or social skills, prototypically representing a stereotypical nerd or academic. Throughout the decades, it has been used in popular culture and media to characterize characters or individuals who prioritize intellect over physical activities or social interactions. Although initially pejorative, the term has sometimes been embraced in humorous contexts by those who identify as intellectuals, evolving over time to a more neutral or even positive connotation in some circles.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,550, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.