Egghead Meaning and Definition
Egghead
Pronunciation
/ˈɛɡhɛd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who is intellectually superior, having a vast knowledge in a particular subject or field.
Examples
- He’s known for being an egghead in the field of physics.
- The egghead professor solved the complex problem in the journal.
Synonyms
- Intellectual
- Brainiac
Antonyms
- Simpleton
- Ignoramus
Etymology
The term “egghead” originated in the 19th century in the United States, possibly derived from the idea that intellectuals have big, egg-shaped heads.
Usage Notes
The term “egghead” is often used informally to refer to someone who has a deep understanding of a particular subject, but it can also be somewhat pejorative, implying that the person is too book-smart or out of touch with reality.
Cultural References
Egghead has been used in various films, TV shows, and literature, often to describe a character who is a genius or an expert in their field, such as the main character in the 2004 novel “The Egghead” by Peter Clines.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Egghead” is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “egghead professor,” “egghead specialist,” or “egghead expert.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related in meaning to “egghead” include intellectual, brainiac, and genius.
Collocations
Common collocations with “egghead” include “egghead professor,” “egghead expert,” and “egghead specialist.”
Frequency of Use
“Egghead” is a relatively uncommon term in everyday language, but it is often used in academic and professional contexts to describe a person with exceptional knowledge or expertise.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “egghead” include “girbera” and “girberae.”