Definition

Noun: A person who is considered stupid or slow to learn; a term used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence.

Usage

The word "dunce" is a derogatory noun used to insult or describe someone perceived as lacking intelligence or being a slow learner. It is often associated with a historical context of shaming students.

Examples

• The teacher grew frustrated, calling the inattentive boy a dunce.
• He felt like a dunce for not understanding the simple instructions.
• The term "dunce" is considered old-fashioned and offensive in modern classrooms.

Advanced Usage

• "dunce cap": A conical paper hat historically placed on the head of a student as a punishment or mark of shame for poor performance or behavior.
  • In old illustrations, a misbehaving student might be pictured wearing a dunce cap in the corner.

Variants and Related Words

• Duncical / Duncish (adjective, archaic): Resembling or characteristic of a dunce; stupid.
  • He was criticized for his duncical remarks.

Synonyms

• Fool
• Simpleton
• Dullard
• Blockhead
• Numskull

Idioms

• To play the dunce: To act stupidly or foolishly, often deliberately.
  • He decided to play the dunce to avoid being given more work.

Noun

1. a stupid person; these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence