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dunderhead

[duhn-der-hed]
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noun
  1. a dunce; blockhead; numbskull.
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Origin of dunderhead

1615–25; apparently < Dutch dunder(kop) numbskull (dunder thunder + kop head) + head
Also called dun·der·pate [duhn-der-peyt] /ˈdʌn dərˌpeɪt/.
Related formsdun·der·head·ed, adjectivedun·der·head·ed·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for dunderhead

ass, stooge, jerk, idiot, sucker, clown, twit, buffoon, nitwit, moron, boob, nerd, clod, dunce, imbecile, dolt, bonehead, oaf, dope, numskull

Examples from the Web for dunderhead

Historical Examples of dunderhead

  • Well, if ever there was a dunderhead in this world it's me, it sure is.

    Pippin; A Wandering Flame

    Laura E. Richards

  • The maltman's dunderhead son passed it about the ale-house that night.

    Star of Mercia

    Blanche Devereux

  • Look at me, Sariette, old boy, and tell me if I look like a dunderhead.

  • I shall issue an address to the free and independent electors of Dunderhead.

    Piccadilly

    Laurence Oliphant

  • If she hadn't married that dunderhead she'd have been a happy woman.

    The Squire's Daughter

    Archibald Marshall

British Dictionary definitions for dunderhead

dunderhead

noun
  1. a stupid or slow-witted person; dunceAlso called: dunderpate
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Derived Formsdunderheaded, adjectivedunderheadedness, noun

Word Origin for dunderhead

C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + head; compare blockhead
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dunderhead

n.

1620s, from head (n.); the first element is obscure; perhaps from Middle Dutch doner, donder "to thunder" (cf. blunderbuss).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper