What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
saphead
Example
Don't be such a saphead, it's obvious he's lying. [saphead: noun]
Example
She fell for his lies again, what a saphead. [saphead: adjective]
nincompoop
Example
He's such a nincompoop, he can't even tie his own shoes. [nincompoop: noun]
Example
I feel like a nincompoop for forgetting my own birthday. [nincompoop: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nincompoop is more commonly used than saphead in everyday language. Nincompoop is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while saphead is less common and may be considered outdated or archaic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between saphead and nincompoop?
Saphead is more formal than nincompoop and may be used in more serious contexts, such as literature or historical writing. Nincompoop is informal and used in casual conversation.