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Numskull: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
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numskull

 

[ หˆnษ™mหŒskษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal usage

A 'numskull' is an informal term used to describe a person who is perceived as foolish or lacking intelligence. It reflects a negative judgment about someone's cognitive abilities, often implying that they make silly or poor decisions. The term is typically used in a light-hearted or joking manner, although it can also be derogatory. It originates from a combination of 'numb' and 'skull', suggesting a dullness of mind.

Synonyms

blockhead, dunce, fool, nincompoop, simpleton

Examples of usage

  • Don't be a numskull and forget your keys.
  • He really acted like a numskull in that situation.
  • Only a numskull would ignore such a good opportunity.

Translations

Translations of the word "numskull" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cabeรงa oca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‡เคตเค•เฅ‚เคซ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dummkopf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bodoh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดัƒั€ะตะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gล‚upiec

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใ‚ซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท imbรฉcile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tonto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aptal

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ”๋ณด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุจู„ู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hlupรกk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hlupรกk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‚ป็“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ neumen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hauskall

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‹ะปัั‹ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒ˜แƒงแƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dรผmaลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tonto

Etymology

The word 'numskull' dates back to the early 19th century, with its earliest recorded use around 1820. It is derived from the combination of the word 'numb' and 'skull', which together create a vivid image of a dull or unthinking mind. The term was likely popularized in British slang and has since spread into informal American English usage. In its early context, 'numskull' was used to describe someone who was not only stupid but also overly confident in their own wisdom. Over the years, it has maintained a humorous connotation, often used among friends or in light-hearted banter rather than in serious insult. Despite its negative implication, the term has a playful tone and is often used to tease rather than genuinely offend.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,473, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.