Scatterbrain: meaning, definitions and examples

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scatterbrain

[ˈskætərˌbreɪn ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'scatterbrain' first appeared in the early 1900s, describing someone whose thoughts seem scattered.
It combines 'scatter,' indicating spreading or dispersing, and 'brain,' referring to mental activity.

Psychology

People described as scatterbrains may have difficulty with attention, often related to conditions like ADHD.
Cognitive overload can contribute to scatterbrained behavior, where too many thoughts compete for space, leading to forgetfulness.

Pop Culture

Scatterbrain characters often appear in cartoons and movies, portraying humorous and lovable figures who forget what's going on.
Television shows like 'Friends' feature scatterbrained characters, adding comedic relief through their forgetfulness.

Education

In educational settings, teachers may identify scatterbrain students as those needing strategies to improve focus and memory.
Multitasking has been shown to increase scatterbrain tendencies among students, as their brains struggle to juggle multiple tasks.

Literature

Famous literary figures, like the Mad Hatter from 'Alice in Wonderland,' are often portrayed as scatterbrains, reflecting their whimsical and chaotic thoughts.
Scatterbrain traits can symbolize deeper themes in literature, such as the complexity of the human mind.