What does “airhead” mean?
The phrase "airhead" means 'a silly, stupid person.' When someone refers to another person as an "airhead", they are implying that the person is lacking intelligence or common sense. It is a colloquial term used to describe someone who is perceived as not being very smart or clueless in their actions or behavior.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
She's such an airhead. She can never remember anything.
Example
Don't be such an airhead and pay attention.
Example
He's a total airhead. I can't have a serious conversation with him.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing someone as silly or unintelligent
She's such an airhead. She can never remember anything.
Don't be such an airhead and pay attention.
- 2Expressing frustration with someone's lack of intelligence
He's a total airhead. I can't have a serious conversation with him.
I can't believe I have to work with that airhead on the project.
- 3Insulting someone's intelligence or mental capacity
You're such an airhead. Can't you understand simple instructions?
I can't believe I dated that airhead for so long.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "airhead" originated in American English and is derived from the idea that someone's head is filled with air instead of thoughts or intelligence.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "airhead" is typically used within a sentence to describe someone. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "airhead" can be considered offensive as it is used to describe someone as silly or stupid.
Audience for the phrase
The term "airhead" is generally used by English speakers, particularly in American English. It is commonly used among friends or in casual conversations.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "airhead" is specific to American English and is primarily used in the United States. However, it may be understood in other English-speaking regions as well.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fool
- scatterbrain
- numbskull
- silly person
- ditz
Antonyms
- genius
- intellectual
- sage
- intelligent person
- brainiac