egghead
Noun: An intellectual; a very studious and academic person, often perceived as overly concerned with theoretical knowledge and lacking in practical experience or social skills.
The term "egghead" is an informal, often slightly humorous or mildly derogatory noun used to describe someone who is highly intellectual and devoted to academic study. It can imply that the person is out of touch with everyday, practical concerns. It is typically used in a conversational or journalistic context, not in formal writing.
- The new policy was designed by a bunch of eggheads who have never run a business.
- She was often teased as an egghead in school because she preferred the library to parties.
- Don't ask me to fix the car; I'm just an egghead who writes about engineering.
- Used as a modifier: The term can occasionally function as an adjective in an attributive position to describe a quality or group.
- His egghead theories were fascinating but impossible to implement.
- The magazine appeals to an egghead audience.
- Eggheaded (adjective): Having the characteristics of an egghead; overly intellectual.
- His eggheaded approach ignored the human element of the problem.
- Intellectual
- Academic
- Scholar
- Bookworm
- Highbrow (can also imply snobbery)
- Nerd / Geek (these often, but not always, have a stronger association with technology or specific obsessive interests)
- Philistine (a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts)
- Anti-intellectual
- Dunce
The connotation of "egghead" can range from affectionate teasing to pointed criticism, depending on context and tone. It often carries an implicit contrast between theoretical knowledge ("book smarts") and practical, worldly wisdom ("street smarts"). Historically, the term gained popularity in mid-20th century U.S. politics to disparage intellectual advisers.
- an intellectual; a very studious and academic person
- in spite of her love of reading she denied being an egghead