dunderhead
(ˈdʌndərhɛd)
[The origin of dunder in this and the following words is obscure.
It may possibly be connected with dunner v. and n.1 (which also occur as dunder): cf also Sc. donner to stun as with a blow or loud noise: see donnered. Some association between dunder and blunder appears to be indicated by the change of Du. donderbus to blunderbuss.]
A ponderously stupid person; a blockhead, a numskull.
| a 1625 Fletcher Elder Bro. ii. iv, Oh, thou dunderhead! Wouldst thou be ever in thy wife's Syntaxis? 1629 Massinger Picture ii. i, Recover, dunder-head! a 1700 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, Dunder-head, a dull heavy Creature. 1767 Sterne Tr. Shandy IX. xxv, Shall I be called as many blockheads, numsculls, doddypoles, dunderheads..and other unsavoury appellations. 1894 J. N. Maskelyne Sharps & Flats i. 6 There are so many dunderheads of all nationalities who can never realise the truth of that simple maxim. |
Hence ˈdunderheadism, practical stupidity.
| 1846 Poe Wks. (1864) III. 115 Utter and inconceivable dunderheadism. 1881 Sala in Illustr. Lond. News 21 May 491 Bureaucratic and police dunderheadism. |