pointy-headed

American  

[poin-tee-hed-id] / ˈpɔɪn tiˌhɛd ɪd /

adjective

Slang: Usually Disparaging.

1. stupid; idiotic.

2. intellectual, especially in a self-important or impractical way.

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Other Word Forms

• pointy-head noun

Etymology

Origin of pointy-headed

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Example Sentences

Of course, people who want to believe that sentient artificial intelligence is possible will ignore me, but I tend to be skeptical of the idea for one important, if pointy-headed, reason: Intelligence is the result of, not the cause of, sentience.

From Salon

And it is better for both the economy and the democratic legitimacy of a rescue effort when elected leaders choose to help people by spending money, versus when pointy-headed technocrats help by obscure interventions in financial markets.

From New York Times

Porter, who studied under Warren in law school, is a pointy-headed policy wonk like her mentor, and fully embraces her no-nonsense image.

From Salon

The exhibition design, by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, manifested the populism of an engaged, attentive, people-friendly media by stressing ideas of noise and ferment, a postmodern saturation in information, and a preference for popular emotional moments over pointy-headed deep engagement.

From Washington Post

What better way to dramatize this contrast than to crank up the deportations, displaying Trump’s toughness while provoking Democrats into squealing about their squishy, pointy-headed, elitist humanitarian concerns?

From Washington Post