dunce's cap
Definition
- Noun:
- A cone-shaped paper hat: A dunce's cap is a pointed hat, traditionally made of paper, that was historically placed on the head of a student as a punishment for being slow to learn, lazy, or misbehaving in school.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- In the old classroom picture, a boy was sitting in the corner wearing a dunce's cap.
- The teacher threatened to make him wear the dunce's cap if he didn't pay attention.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Cultural Context: The dunce's cap is a symbol of public shaming and an outdated, often criticized, method of discipline in education. It is rarely, if ever, used in modern classrooms.
- The practice of using a dunce's cap is now seen as a relic of a less enlightened educational system.
Variants and Related Words
- Dunce cap (n): A common alternative spelling without the possessive apostrophe 's'.
- He was made to wear a dunce cap for forgetting his homework.
- Dunce (n): A person who is slow to learn; a dullard. This is the term for the person who would be forced to wear the cap.
- He was unfairly labeled a dunce by his strict teacher.
Synonyms
- Fool's cap: A very similar, often interchangeable, term for a conical hat used to mock or punish someone.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be/wear the dunce's cap: Figuratively, to be in a position of shame or to be the one who has made a foolish mistake.
- After his terrible presentation, he felt like he was wearing the dunce's cap for the rest of the meeting.
Noun
-
a cone-shaped paper hat formerly placed on the head of slow or lazy pupils
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