Definition

1. Noun:
   • A silly, foolish, or empty-headed person: "dingbat" is an informal, often mildly derogatory term for someone perceived as lacking intelligence, common sense, or seriousness.

Usage

• The word "dingbat" is used informally, primarily in spoken English. It is often used in a humorous or exasperated, but not deeply insulting, way to describe someone acting foolishly.
• It is considered dated or old-fashioned in some contexts but is still understood.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Don't be such a dingbat; look where you're going!
  • He felt like a total dingbat for forgetting his own phone number.
  • The movie's plot revolves around a loveable dingbat who accidentally becomes a hero.

Advanced Usage

• As a term of endearment: In very casual contexts among friends or family, "dingbat" can be used affectionately to tease someone for a minor silly mistake.
  • Oh, you dingbat, you wore two different shoes again!

Variants and Related Words

• Dingbattery (n, informal, rare): Foolish behavior or nonsense.
  • I've had enough of this dingbattery; let's be serious.

Synonyms

• Dunce: A person who is slow at learning.
• Nincompoop: A foolish or stupid person.
• Nitwit: A silly or foolish person.
• Airhead: A silly or foolish person who lacks substance or seriousness.

Antonyms

• Genius: A person with exceptional intellectual or creative power.
• Savant: A learned person, especially a distinguished scientist.
• Sage: A profoundly wise person.

Related Idioms

• Not the sharpest tool in the shed: A common idiom with a similar meaning to "dingbat," implying someone is not very intelligent.
  • He's a nice guy, but he's not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Noun

1. a silly empty-headed person
   • you would be a dingbat even to try it
   • yet here he was with an upper class dingbat who just happened to be married to his sister