blockhead
UK[ˈblɒkhɛd]US[ˈblɑːkhɛd]
n
a very stupid person
Morpheme Breakdown
block
head
block
solid piece
head
part of the body
Etymology
the word "blockhead" is a compound noun formed from two old english and germanic elements. "block," denoting a solid, often wooden mass, was combined with "head" to create a vivid metaphor. the literal image is of a head as solid and impenetrable as a block of wood, implying a complete lack of intelligence or thought. this pejorative term, first recorded in the 16th century, leverages the long-standing association between hardness and stupidity, contrasting the expected softness of the brain with the inert density of a block.
Analysis
Structure: block (solid piece) + head (part of the body)
- block: from middle english blok, from old french bloc, of germanic origin. functions as a noun used attributively to describe the head.
- head: from old english hēafod, of germanic origin. functions as the core noun being modified.
Examples
don't be such a blockhead and read the instructions before assembling the furniture.
the character in the play was portrayed as a loveable blockhead, always missing the obvious.
he felt like a complete blockhead for forgetting his own phone number during the interview.