numbskull

or num·skull

[ nuhm-skuhl ]

noun

1. a dull-witted or stupid person; dolt.

numbskull

/ ˈnʌmˌskʌl /

noun

1. a stupid person; dolt; blockhead

Word History and Origins

Origin of numbskull¹

First recorded in 1690–1700 as numpscull; current spelling first recorded in a letter by Jonathan Swift; numb + skull

Word History and Origins

Origin of numbskull¹

C18: from numb + skull

Example Sentences

It doesn’t matter if he’s a fascist, authoritarian, a despot, a philanderer, a numbskull, a loon, or a spoiled brat who has mommy and daddy issues.

From Salon

Mama would say I’m being dramatic, and my numbskull little brother would toss in his unwanted two cents and agree, but I feel like my head has gotten too heavy for my neck and I just can’t hold it up anymore.

From Literature

But he is also great with comedy, as the milquetoast Charlie Driggs in Jonathan Demme's classic, "Something Wild," as the movie character who walks off the screen in Woody Allen's "The Purple Rose of Cairo," and even the numbskull Harry in the hit "Dumb and Dumber."

From Salon

"And you're a clodpoll," said the girl, bitterly, "and a ninny, a numbskull, a lackwit and a coxcomb!"

From Literature

A numbskull with a gigantic chip on his shoulder, Oyster can barely walk the length of himself without picking a fight.

From New York Times

Related Words

• clodpoll