Scatterbrain: meaning, definitions and examples
ðŸ’
scatterbrain
[ ˈskætərˌbreɪn ]
informal use
A scatterbrain is a person who tends to be forgetful or disorganized. This term is often used to describe someone who has trouble concentrating or is easily distracted. Such individuals might misplace things, forget appointments, or jump from one thought to another without much coherence. While it is often used humorously, it can sometimes imply a lack of responsibility or focus.
Synonyms
disorganized person, distracted person, forgetful person, scatterbrained individual
Examples of usage
- My friend is such a scatterbrain; she always forgets where she puts her keys.
- He's a bit of a scatterbrain, constantly losing track of time.
- Don't be a scatterbrain and arrive late to the meeting.
- Her scatterbrain tendencies make it hard for her to keep track of her assignments.
Word origin
The term 'scatterbrain' originated in the early 20th century in English-speaking countries. It combines the words 'scatter,' meaning to distribute or disperse irregularly, and 'brain,' metaphorically implying that one's thoughts or cognitive abilities are similarly dispersed or unfocused. The earliest recorded use of the term can be traced back to the 1920s, although the concept of being disorganized or forgetful predates the actual word itself. Over the decades, 'scatterbrain' has evolved into a light-hearted descriptor for individuals who struggle with attention and organization. It captures an image of a person whose thoughts are scattered across various distractions, rather than being firmly focused on one task.