Numskull

Alternative forms

• numbskull

Origin

From numb ("deadened") + skull.

Full definition of numskull

Noun

1. (pejorative) A dunce, mentally dull or stupid person.
2. (pejorative) A label for a person who refuses to learn or grow mentally.That numskull will never learn how to compose a letter.
3. A traditional name for a fool who serves as the butt of jokes about stupidity.

Usage notes

Numskull is often capitalized as the fictitious name of the traditional fictional butt of jokes.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• numpty, numptie