Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (used informally) stupid; slow to understand or learn: Describes a person who is not intelligent, who has difficulty comprehending things, or who is slow-witted. The term is figurative, comparing a person's head to a thick, impenetrable skull.

Usage

• This word is an informal, often derogatory, adjective used to criticize someone's intelligence or lack of quick understanding. It is typically used in casual speech, not in formal writing.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • He was too thick-skulled to grasp the simple instructions.
  • Don't be so thick-skulled! The answer is obvious.
  • Her thick-skulled brother failed the test three times.

Advanced Usage

• "to be thick-skulled about something": to be particularly obtuse or uncomprehending regarding a specific topic.
  • He's completely thick-skulled about modern technology.

Variants and Related Words

• Thick-witted (adj): A direct synonym, meaning slow to understand; dull.
• Thickheaded (adj): Having the same meaning as thick-skulled; stupid or obtuse.
• Dense (adj): Closely packed; in informal use, it means slow to understand.
• Dim-witted (adj): Lacking intelligence.

Synonyms

• Stupid
• Obtuse
• Dull
• Slow
• Unintelligent

Antonyms

• Intelligent
• Bright
• Clever
• Quick-witted
• Astute

Related Idioms

• Thick as two short planks: A British idiom meaning very stupid.
  • He's a nice guy, but he's as thick as two short planks.
• Hard-headed: While this can mean stubborn or practical, it is sometimes confused with "thick-headed" but generally implies shrewdness rather than stupidity.

Adjective

1. (used informally) stupid