zipperheadnoun
Factsheet
What does the noun zipperhead mean?
There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zipperhead. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is used in U.S. English.
zipperhead is considered offensive.
How common is the noun zipperhead?
| 1960 | 0.0007 |
| 1970 | 0.0008 |
| 1980 | 0.0009 |
| 1990 | 0.0009 |
| 2000 | 0.0011 |
| 2010 | 0.0014 |
How is the noun zipperhead pronounced?
British English
U.S. English
Where does the noun zipperhead come from?
Earliest known use
1960s
The earliest known use of the noun zipperhead is in the 1960s.
OED's earliest evidence for zipperhead is from 1967, in Manitowoc (Wisconsin) Herald-Times.
zipperhead is formed within English, by compounding.
Etymons: an element of uncertain origin, head n.1
Nearby entries
- zipliner, n.1993–
- zip lining, n.?1983–
- zip-lipped, adj.1943–
- ziplock, n.1928–
- zipped, adj.1931–
- zippeite, n.1850–
- zipper, n.1923–
- zipper, v.1927–
- zippered, adj.1926–
- zipper foot, n.1938–
- zipperhead, n.1967–
- zipper problem, n.1985–
- Zippie, n.¹1968–
- zippie, n.²1986–
- zippily, adv.1924–
- zippiness, n.1907–
- zipping, n.1868–
- Zippo, n.¹1944–
- zippo, n.²1973–
- zippy, adj.1889–
- zip tie, n.1969–
Etymology
Notes
- 1945
Johnny Zipperhead Hinkle was the best damn tiddly-wink pusher in the University.
Infantry Journal (U.S.) February 42/1 - 1947
Jim Riley's shelter parties: Jo-Jo, the dog-faced boy, (Doll), ‘Zipperhead’ Anglum, E. (Lockbox) Harrison guarding his possessions.
Colonial Echo (College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia) 212
Meaning & use
- 1.1967–A stupid person; an idiot.
- 1967
Maybe by then one of you zipperheads will be able to come up with something more constructive than excuses.
Manitowoc (Wisconsin) Herald-Times 27 July 6t/2 - 1975
The network zipperheads wanted to play it as a turnabout farce, there obviously being nobody in ‘real life’ like this.
New Yorker 26 May 33/3 - 1994
You seem to interview about thirty people every day and they are all total zipper heads.
J. Birmingham, He died with Felafel in his Hand (1997) i. 1
the mind operation of the mind lack of understanding stupid, foolish, or confused person stupid person, dolt, blockhead [nouns]- assOld English–A foolish or stupid person. Now chiefly British colloquial and somewhat dated. Cf. silly ass, n.
- sotOld English–1742A foolish or stupid person; a fool, blockhead, dolt. Obsolete.
- beastc1225–A brutal, cruel, or wicked person. In early use also: †a stupid or foolish person (obsolete). Cf. brute, n.¹ B.2.
- long-ear?a1300–In singular and (usually) plural. A hare or rabbit.
- stock1303–As the type of what is lifeless, motionless, or void of sensation. Hence, a senseless or stupid person.
- buzzard1377–figurative. A worthless, stupid, or ignorant person. Often with the adjective blind; also used euphemistically = bastard, n. A.I.2a.
- mis-feelinga1382A foolish or senseless person.
- dasarta1400A dazed, stupefied, or inert person; a dullard; = dasiberd, n., dastard, n. A.1.
- stonea1400–transferred and figurative. Something resembling stone or a stone. In figurative sense, chiefly as the supposed substance of a ‘hard’ heart; also…
- dottlec1400–A foolish or stupid person; (also) an elderly person whose mental faculties are impaired.
- doddypoll1401–1767A stupid person; blockhead, fool.
- Jack foolc1405–= tomfool, n.
- dastardc1440–1552One inert or dull of wit, a dullard; a sot. Obsolete.
- dotterel1440–A foolish or stupid person; (more usually) an elderly person whose mental faculties are impaired. Now rare (Scottish and English regional (chiefly nor…
- dullardc1440–A dull or stupid person; a dolt, dunce.
- wantwit1449–A person who lacks good sense; a foolish or witless person. Cf. lackwit, n.
- dasiberdc1450–1500A stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton.
- jobardc1475–A stupid person, a fool.
- nollc1475–1600With depreciative adjective: a person of a specified kind. Obsolete.
- drivel1478–1600A person lacking in intelligence; a fool, an imbecile.
- idiotc1480–Frequently derogatory. A person who speaks or acts in what the speaker considers an irrational way, or with extreme stupidity or foolishness.
- assheada1500–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. ass, n.¹ 2.
- mulea1500–In extended use, of a person. gen. A person having a quality characteristic of or associated with mules, esp. a stupid, obstinate, or physically…
- John Blunt?1507(Perhaps) a generic name for a dull, stupid person; cf. Jack Blunt, n.
- peak1509–80A silly or foolish person; a dolt, a fool. Also peak-hoddy, peak-noddy.
- dulbert?a1513–A dull or stupid person; one slow of comprehension.
- doddy-patec1525= doddypoll, n.
- noddypolla1529–98A fool, a simpleton.
- blockhead1532–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. block, n.¹ I.i.1c, I.i.1d. Now colloquial.
- hammer-head1532–A head, likened to a hammer; a blockhead. (Cf. beetle-head, n.) Obsolete.
- grosshead1533–1606A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. fat-head, n.² 1.
- nidiot1533–An idiot, a fool.
- dull-head?1534–1624A dull-headed or slow-witted person; a fool, a blockhead.
- capon1542–As a type of dullness, and a term of reproach.
- hare-brain1542–1670One who has a brain like a hare's, or no more brain than a hare; a giddy or reckless person. Obsolete.
- dolt1543–A dull, stupid fellow; a blockhead, numskull.
- cod's head1549–A stupid or silly person, a fool, a blockhead. Now archaic.
- mome1550–A fool, a dolt. Also in extended use.
- grout-head1551–1650A blockhead, thickhead, dunce.
- gander1553–figurative. A dull or stupid person; a fool, simpleton.
- skit-brains?1553–attributive and in other combinations, as skit-brains, skit-brained, in opprobrious use.
- blocka1556–1912figurative. A person likened to a log or piece of wood in lacking intelligence; a blockhead. Also: a person likened to a log or piece of wood in…
- calfa1556–transferred. Applied to human beings: A stupid fellow, a dolt; sometimes a meek inoffensive person. Also as a term of endearment. Essex calf n. a…
- hare-copa1566? = hare-brain, n.
- tomfool1565–Usually with capital initial(s). As a proper noun, used as the type of a foolish, stupid, or half-witted person.
- dunce1567–A person who is slow at learning or of low intelligence; a stupid, dim-witted person; an idiot. (Now the usual sense.)
- John Cheesea1568(Perhaps) a fool, an idiot; a contemptible person.
- druggard1569–1733Perhaps: (as a term of contempt) = druggle, n. Obsolete.
- cobble1570(See quot. 1570: perhaps not the same word.) Obsolete.
- dummel1570–A stupid, foolish, or sluggish person; a slow, sluggish, or worn-out animal. Also: †a person who is unable to speak (obsolete).
- Essex calf1573–The name of an English county, occurring attributively in Essex board (see quot. 1933); Essex calf (literally a calf reared in Essex), formerly…
- jolthead1573–A heavy-headed or thick-headed person; a blockhead. Also attributive.
- hardhead1576–An unthinking or unintelligent person; a ‘blockhead’. Also: a person who is stubborn and uncompromising. Occasionally as a nickname. Cf. hard, adj.…
- beetle-head1577–
- dor-head1577A stupid or blundering fellow = beetle, n.² 4 (obsolete).
- groutnoll1578–1658= grout-head, n.
- nidget1579–An idiot, a fool.
- thickskin1582–One who has a thick skin; a person dull or slow of feeling. Also attributive.
- noddyship?1589A mock title for a fool.
- dull-pate1590–1705= dull-head, n.
- jobbernowl1592–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a numbskull.
- beetle-brain1593–
- Dorbel1593–1621A scholastical pedant, a dull-witted person, dolt; cf. dunce, n.
- oatmeal-groat1594Obsolete derogatory. A stupid or worthless person.
- loggerhead1595–A thick-headed or stupid person; a blockhead.
- blockpate1598A stupid or foolish person; a blockhead.
- cittern-head1598–1640Used as a term of abuse, with reference to the grotesquely carved head of a cittern.
- cloghead1598–derogatory. Now rare. A stupid or foolish person. Formerly also: †the head of such a person (obsolete). Cf. blockhead, n.
- noddypoop1598= noddypoll, n.
- dorbellist1599
- numps1599–A silly or stupid person. Frequently as a form of address. Cf. numpty, n.
- shallow-pate1600–A person of shallow intellect.
- dor1601–57figurative. Applied to persons. Obsolete.
- lunatic1602–figurative (chiefly disparaging or derogatory). A person regarded as extremely or recklessly foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric, delusional, or…
- stump1602–Applied to a person: A blockhead (cf. stock, n.¹ A.I.1c, stub, n. 2); a man of short stumpy figure (cf. stub, n. 7d). †Sometimes as a term of…
- flight-head1605‘A wild-headed person’ (Nares).
- ram-head1605–A person whose head is likened to that of a ram; a dull, slow-witted, or obstinate individual; a cuckold. Now historical.
- look-like-a-goose1606–24A foolish or stupid person; cf. goose, n. 1f.
- ruff1606–74A blockhead, a fool.
- clod1607–figurative. A blockhead, clodpate; a clodhopper.
- halfwit1607–A person of limited intelligence; a stupid or foolish person.
- turf1607–74A clod of earth. Also figurative cf. clod, n. 4. Obsolete.
- asinego1609–1714A ‘donkey,’ fool, dolt.
- clot-poll1609–(clotpoll, -pole.) A clod-poll, n., blockhead, dolt.
- doddiea1611Shortened form of doddypoll, n. Obsolete.
- druggle1611–53A term of contempt: a heavy, stupid, weak, or cowardly person.
- duncecomb1612A stupid person; a fool, a dunce.
- ox-head1613–A stupid person; a dolt, a blockhead. Now chiefly archaic.
- clod-polla1616–= clod-pate, n.
- dulman1615–61A dull or stupid person; humorously as a proper name.
- jolterhead1620–= jolthead, n. 2.
- bullhead1624–‘A stupid fellow; a blockhead’ (Johnson). Also attributive.
- dunderwhelpa1625–A stupid or foolish person; = dunderhead, n.
- non-intelligent1628–1866A person who is not intelligent; (also) a person who does not understand. Obsolete.
- dunderhead1630–A stupid or slow-witted person; an idiot, a fool.
- macaroona1631–slang. A buffoon; a blockhead, a dolt. Also (regional): a fop (cf. macaroni, n. 2).
- moonling1631–A simpleton; an idiot.
- clod-patea1635–A thickhead or blockhead.
- clota1637–colloquial. A dull-witted, clumsy, or blundering person. In later use often as a mild or affectionate term of reproach. Cf. clod, n. 5.
- dildo1638–colloquial. Originally as a general term of abuse for a boy or young man. In later use: a stupid, inept, or ridiculous person.
- clot-pate1640–54= clod-pate, n.
- stupid1640–colloquial. A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
- underhead1643–80A person of inferior intelligence. Obsolete.
- clod-head1644–A clod-pate, n.
- stub1644figurative. A blockhead; = stock, n.¹ A.I.1c. Obsolete.
- simpletonian1652–An unintelligent, foolish, or gullible person; a simpleton.
- bottle-head1654–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a fool, a blockhead.
- Boeotiana1657–A stupid clown, a ‘thick-head’.
- vappe1657figurative. A stupid person.
- lackwit1668–A witless or stupid person.
- no conjurer1668–transferred. Said ironically of a person of superior cleverness. no conjurer n. one who is far from clever.
- cudden1673–1719A born fool, a dolt. Obsolete.
- plant-animal1673–1706figurative. A dull, inert, or stupid person. Obsolete.
- dolt-head1679–1711a. A dolt, blockhead; b. a stupid head (quot. 1711).
- cabbage head1682–a. (derogatory) a dull-witted or foolish person (cf. cabbage, n.¹ II.6); b. the head formed by the unexpanded leaves of a cabbage.
- driveller1682–A person who talks or acts in a foolish, silly, or feeble way; a drivelling idiot.
- tomfool1683–As a common noun: a foolish or stupid person; an idiot.
- put1688–A stupid or foolish person, a blockhead. Cf. country put, n.
- a piece of wood1691Phrases. a piece of wood: a contemptuous appellation for a stupid person; a blockhead.
- ouphe1694–Chiefly Scottish (north-eastern). A stupid or ineffectual person.
- dunderpate1697–A stupid or foolish person; = dunderhead, n.
- numbskull1697–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a blockhead.
- insipid1699–1796An insipid person or thing; one who is deficient in sense, spirit, or taste. Obsolete.
- leather-head1699–a. slang a blockhead; b. Australian the friar-bird.
- nocky1699–A fool, a simpleton.
- Tom Cony1699In personal names used generically with the meaning ‘a stupid or foolish person, an oaf’, as Tom Cony, Tom Dingle, Tom Towly. Cf. Tom doodle, n. Obs…
- mopus1700A simpleton; a dull, stupid, or ineffectual person; = mope, n. 1.
- bluff-head1703–bluff-bowed, bluff-browed, bluff-chested, bluff-headed (see sense 1a); bluff-head n. a bluff headland, the top of a bluff; also figurative as a…
- clod skull1707–= clod-head, n.
- shallow-brains1707A shallow-brained person.
- sillytonian1707–38A silly or gullible person, esp. one considered as belonging to a notional sect of such people. Cf. sillyton, n., grumbletonian, n.
- dunny1709–1906a. A stupid or foolish person; a person lacking in intellect or understanding. b. A deaf person. Obsolete.
- inane1710–An empty-headed, unintelligent person.
- dowf1722–A dull, spiritless, foolish, or stupid person. Now rare.
- niddy-noddy1722–An idiot, a fool; a grotesque image. Also as adj.: stupid. English regional in later use.
- stupe1722–A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
- coof1724–A dull spiritless fellow; one somewhat obtuse in sense and sensibility.
- gamphrel1729–A stupid or foolish person; a fool, a blockhead, an idiot.
- gobbin?1746–An unintelligent or uneducated person; a fool, an idiot.
- duncehead1749–derogatory or disparaging. A stupid, inept, or dim-witted person; an idiot. Cf. dunce, n. II.3.
- thick-skull1755–A thick-skulled person.
- jackass1756–A foolish or stupid person; an idiot, a dolt. Cf. ass, n.¹ 2. Now chiefly North American.
- woollen-head1756A thick-headed or dull person (in quot. attributive).
- numbhead1757–A numbskull, a blockhead.
- crazy pate1758–1920A person considered to be irrational, foolish, or insane.
- dummy1763–A foolish or stupid person; an idiot. Frequently as a general term of abuse.
- beef-head1775–A thick-head, a block-head.
- granny1776–Originally U.S. A person compared disparagingly to an old woman; a fussy, indecisive, or unenterprising person. Also: (English regional (Cheshire))…
- imbecile1781–Chiefly derogatory. A very stupid, foolish, or ignorant person.
- puggle1783–1925A crazy or foolish person, an idiot. Obsolete.
- stupid-head1792–A stupid or slow-witted person; a fool, an idiot, a blockhead; frequently as a contemptuous form of address.
- stunpolla1794–A dolt, blockhead.
- timber-head1794–a. Nautical the head or end of any timber; spec. such an end rising above the deck and serving as a bollard: see 1860 at kevel, n.² 2; b. slang (rare…
- wether heada1796–A sheep's head; figurative a stupid person.
- noghead1800–A foolish or stupid person.
- staumrel1802–A stupid, halfwitted person.
- muttonhead1803–A dull or stupid person. Cf. sheep's head, n. 2.
- doughhead1807–(A name for) a stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
- num1807= numbskull, n.
- dummkopf1809–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dumbhead, n.
- tumphya1813–A stupid person, a blockhead.
- ganache1814–derogatory. A person of low intelligence. Now rare.
- dumbhead1818–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
- In fishes (singular and plural), the upper part of the trunk, adjoining the head.
- loon1823–A person regarded as foolish, unintelligent, irrational, or out of touch with reality; a person who thinks or behaves in ways which are not…
- stoopid1823–Chiefly as a contemptuous form of address: a stupid or foolish person; = stupid, n. C.1.
- thick-head1824–One who is dull of intellect; a blockhead.
- dult1825–= dolt, n.; a dunce; the boy at the bottom of a class or form.
- gype1825–A fool, an idiot.
- stob1825figurative. (See quot. 1825.)
- stookiea1828–A plaster statue, a wax figure or dummy. Also transferred, a slow-witted person, a blockhead.
- woodenhead1831–A stupid person, a blockhead.
- ning-nong1832–A fool, a stupid person. Also in extended use. Cf. nig-nog, n.¹
- slobber-chops1832–As a general term of abuse or contempt: a stupid, contemptible, or ineffectual person. Now rare.
- log-head1834–= blockhead, n. A.1.
- fat-head1835–One having a fat head; a stupid dolt.
- dunderheadism1836–Behaviour typical of a dunderhead; foolishness, stupidity.
- turnip1837–In slang or colloquial uses. disparaging. A foolish or stupid person; (often by implication) a naive or unsophisticated person from the…
- wanwit1837–colloquial. A person whose mental faculties are limited or impaired. Also: a foolish or irrational person. Now archaic and rare.
- mudhead1838–U.S. colloquial. derogatory. A native of Tennessee. Now rare.
- donkey1840–transferred. A stupid or silly person.
- stupex1843–A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
- cabbage1844–A dull-witted person; someone lacking interests or ambition (cf. cabbage head, n.). Also: a person who is incapable of normal mental or physical…
- opacity1844–Denseness or obtuseness of intellect or understanding. Also (in quot. 1844): a person exemplifying this. Now rare.
- morepork1845–colloquial. Australian. A stupid or tiresome person (frequently as a term of abuse).
- lubber-head1847–A stupid person, a blockhead; hence lubber-headed adj. (Eng. Dial. Dict.).
- slowpoke1847–(A name for) a slow or lazy person; a dawdler; a slowcoach. Also: †a dim-witted person (obsolete).
- stupiditarian1850–An unintelligent, uneducated, or foolish person.
- pudding-head1851–derogatory. A stupid person.
- A stupid or silly person, a fool, a blockhead. Now archaic.
- eejit1853–= idiot, n.
- putty head1853–A stupid person.
- nowmun1854–A fool, an idiot.
- moke1855–In extended use: a person who is stupid, awkward, or incompetent; a dolt, a fool; = donkey, n. 2a.
- mullet-head1855–A stupid person.
- pothead1855–colloquial (chiefly regional). A stupid person, a fool.
- mug1857–A stupid or incompetent person; a fool or simpleton; a gullible person, a dupe.
- thick1857–colloquial and slang (originally Schoolboys'). A thick-headed or stupid person.
- clot-head1859–= clot-pate, n.
- boodle1862–88A stupid or silly person; a fool, an idiot.
- meathead1863–derogatory (originally U.S.). A stupid person; a person (esp. a man) who has a large or muscular physique but who is unintelligent or uncouth.
- missing link1863–colloquial. derogatory. Applied to a person, esp. one considered crude or stupid.
- scant-brain1864One lacking in wits.
- half-baked1866–colloquial and regional. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. sense A.2b.
- crazyhead1867–slang (chiefly derogatory). A person who is considered to lack intelligence or common sense.
- lunk1867–A slow-witted, unintelligent person.
- turnip head1867–A foolish or stupid person; (often by implication) a naive or unsophisticated person from the countryside; a country bumpkin; cf. turnip, n. 3b, tur…
- rummy1872–A stupid person; a dupe.
- born idiot1873–A person having an intellectual disability (now offensive); (in later use also) a person who acts with extreme stupidity or foolishness.
- dinlo1873–A stupid, annoying, or hapless person; an idiot, a fool.
- doughbake1874–Chiefly English regional (south-western). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dough-baked, adj. 2.
- pumpkin-head1876–A person with a head compared to a pumpkin; a fool, a dolt. Also: a head resembling or made from a pumpkin; spec. (a) a large or round head; (b) a…
- insensate1877–An insensate person.
- tattie1879–= potato, n. 2. Also figurative, a stupid person.
- chump1883–figurative. A man as unintelligent as a chump of wood; a block, blockhead (cf. block, n.¹ I.i.1d).
- dully1883–A dull or stupid person.
- cretin1884–derogatory and potentially offensive. An extremely foolish or stupid person; an idiot, a fool. Also as a general term of abuse or disparagement.
- lunkhead1884–A blockhead.
- mopstick1886slang. A stupid person, an idiot. Obsolete. rare.
- knuckle-head1890–A slow-witted or stupid person.
- peanut head1891–A stupid or foolish person; also as a term of abuse. Cf. pinhead, n. A.4a, pea-brain, n., etc.
- pie-face1891–A round, flat face resembling a pie; a person with such a face, esp. if appearing blank or expressionless; a stupid person. Also attributive in pi…
- lardhead1893–A foolish person; a person lacking in intelligence. Cf. fat-head, n.² 1.
- butt-head1896–Originally and chiefly North American. A stupid, stubborn, or contemptible person. Cf. butt-headed, adj. 1.
- pinhead1896–colloquial. derogatory. A person with an abnormally small head; (figurative) a stupid or foolish person.
- ding-a-ling1899–North American colloquial (originally slang). A person who is psychologically disturbed or mentally ill, esp. (in early use) as a result of being…
- cheesehead1900–A silly or foolish person; an idiot.
- nyamps1900–An incapable, worthless, or stupid person.
- box head1902–colloquial. A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. blockhead, n. A.1.
- bonehead1903–slang (originally U.S.). A person characterized as unthinking or unintelligent; a blockhead.
- chickenhead1903–colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Usually as two words or with hyphen. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. chicken-headed, adj.
- gook1904–A stupid, annoying, or peculiar person; spec. †(a) a person who offers unsolicited advice or opinions, a know-all (obsolete); (b) (now chiefly) a… Now somewhat uncommon, perhaps due to the possibility of confusion with the derogatory and offensive gook, n.²
- thickwit1904–A thick-witted person.
- cluck1906–U.S. slang. A stupid, inept, or unsuccessful person.
- boob1907–colloquial. Originally and chiefly U.S. A stupid, inept, or blundering person; a fool. Cf. booby, n.¹ 1a.
- John1908–U.S. slang. A gullible or easily-fooled person, a dupe; esp. a potential victim of a swindle or confidence trick. Cf. mark, n.¹ VI.26.
- mooch1910–colloquial and regional. A slow-witted person; one who is easily taken in or swindled; a dupe, a sucker. Now chiefly U.S.
- nitwit1910–A stupid, silly, or foolish person. Also in extended use as a term of abuse or derision.
- dikkop1913–figurative. = thick-head, n. 1.
- feeb1914–A foolish or stupid person.
- goop1914–A stupid or fatuous person.
- lamebrain1914–A foolish, stupid, or idiotic person; a dimwit. Also as a contemptuous form of address.
- dingbat1915–Chiefly North American, Australian, and New Zealand. A person who is wildly irrational or eccentric; one who is foolish or stupid. Also as a general…
- goofus1916–A foolish or stupid person. Cf. doofus, n.
- rumdum1916–A drunkard, esp. one whose faculties are affected by drinking. Hence: a fool, a person lacking ability.
- bone dome1917–a. derogatory (a nickname for) an unthinking or unintelligent person; a blockhead; = bonehead, n. A.1a; b. a crash helmet, esp. one for a pilot; cf…
- oik1917–An uncouth, loutish, uneducated, or obnoxious person; a yob (esp. with connotations of lower-class origin).
- dumbbell1918–colloquial (originally U.S.). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dumb, adj. A.II.10a.
- jabroni1919–U.S. slang and colloquial (derogatory, often used mockingly). A stupid, objectionable, or ridiculous man; a loser, a knuckle-head.
- goldfish1920–figurative. Chiefly in similative and allusive use, typically as a means of characterizing or stereotyping a person as having limited intelligence…
- knob1920–slang. An annoying, unpleasant, or idiotic person (esp. a man or boy). Cf. knobhead, n. 2.
- dumb bunny1921–A foolish or stupid person.
- goon1921–A stolid, dull, or stupid person. Originally U.S.
- ratbag1921–A disagreeable, disreputable, or contemptible person or (occasionally) thing, a ‘scumbag’; (also, Australian) a wayward or eccentric person, a crank.
- bodoh1922–Malaysian English and Singapore English (colloquial and derogatory). A person who is foolish, ignorant, or inept; an idiot, a dunce.
- dimwit1922–A stupid or slow-witted person.
- moron1922–derogatory. A stupid or slow-witted person; a fool, an idiot. Also attributive or as adj.
- ivory dome1923–A stupid person.
- stone jug1923–Rhyming slang. = mug, n.⁶ Cf. steamer, n. 11.
- dingleberry1924–slang. Originally U.S. A foolish, stupid, or annoying person.
- gimp1924–derogatory slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person.
- bird brain1926–A foolish or unintelligent person.
- jughead1926–A foolish or stupid person; also, as a mere term of abuse.
- no-brow1926–A person having, or regarded as having, few or no cultural interests or little intellect.
- cloth-head1927–A thick-head; cf. clot-head, n.
- dumb1928–colloquial. North American. A foolish or stupid person.
- gazook1928–A fool; a stupid or unpleasant person.
- mouldwarp1928–U.S. regional. A stupid or worthless person.
- ding-dong1929–slang (originally U.S.). A worthless, stupid, insane, or wildly eccentric person. Cf. dingbat, n. A.3.
- stupido1929–Originally and chiefly in Italian-speaking contexts: a stupid person. Also used as a contemptuous form of address.
- mook1930–colloquial and derogatory (U.S. and Caribbean). An incompetent or stupid person; a contemptible person (esp. with reference to low social status).
- sparrow-brain1930–(A person with) a tiny brain, (a person of) limited intelligence or perception.
- knobhead1931–Used as a disparaging term for a person. North American slang. A stupid or slow-witted person; a dolt, an idiot, a numbskull.
- dip1932–A stupid, unremarkable, or contemptible person.
- drip1932–A stupid, feeble, or dull person; a fool; a bore. slang.
- dumbo1932–A stupid person; an idiot.
- epsilon1932–A person of low intelligence.
- bohunkus1933–A stupid, obnoxious, or worthless person. Often as a general term of abuse or contemptuous form of address. Cf. bohunk, n. A.2.
- diddy1933–Chiefly Scottish. A fool, an idiot.
- dill1933–A foolish or silly person; an idiot; a simpleton. Also: a victim of deception; a dupe (see quot. 1941).
- eight ball1933–slang (originally Military). An unruly person; spec. a useless or insubordinate soldier.
- dumbass1934–A foolish or pathetic person, an idiot; sometimes as a form of address to such a person. Also (and earliest) as a modifier: stupid, foolish, pathetic.
- zombie1936–figurative. colloquial. A dull, apathetic, unresponsive, or unthinkingly acquiescent person. Also as a general term of disparagement.
- pea-brain1938–colloquial (derogatory). A stupid or empty-headed person; an idiot, a fool; (also) the supposedly tiny brain of such a person.
- knot-head1940–A stupid person (see also quot. 1940); also, a stupid horse.
- schlump1941–A dull-witted, dejected, or talentless person; a fool.
- jarhead1942–A foolish or stupid person.
- dillbrain1943–A foolish or silly person; an idiot; = dill, n.⁶
- Joe Soap1943–colloquial. Name applied to a ‘dumb’ person, a mug; also, more generally, a quite ordinary person, any person.
- nong1944–Australian and New Zealand slang. A fool; a stupid or incompetent person. Cf. ning-nong, n., nong-nong, n.
- gobshite1946–Chiefly Irish English. derogatory. A foolish, incompetent, or gullible person; a person who talks nonsense or speaks incessantly; a loudmouth.
- rock-head1947–North American colloquial. Originally: a person whose head is said to be made of rock. Now usually: spec. a stupid person; blockhead, n. A.1. Cf. to…
- potato head1948–disparaging. A person whose head is likened to a potato; a stupid person, a fool. Also: a person from an area known for the cultivation of…
- jerko1949–A stupid, irritating, or deliberately obnoxious person; = jerk, n.¹ A.III.12. Frequently as a derogatory form of address.
- turkey1951–U.S. slang. A stupid, slow, inept, or otherwise worthless person.
- momo1953–An idiot; a stupid person.
- dumb-arse1954–slang (derogatory). A foolish or ignorant person; a person of limited intelligence. Also used as a name or form of address for such a person.
- poop-head1955–A stupid person.
- a right one1958–colloquial (chiefly British and Irish English). As an intensifier (usually in derogatory and ironical contexts): complete, absolute, total…
- head-the-ball1958–(A name for) a foolish or silly person, an idiot; (also) a crazy person, esp. one who is violent or unpredictable. Cf. bawheid, n. Used either depreciatively or affectionately, depending on the context.
- bam1959–A foolish, annoying, or obnoxious person; (also spec.) a belligerent or disruptive person. Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. bampot, n.…
- nong-nong1959–= nong, n. 2.
- dickhead1960–A stupid, annoying, or objectionable person (esp. a male); one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious, provocative, or disruptive. Cf. dick…
- Herbert1960–A stupid, ridiculous, or inconsequential person.
- bampot1962–A foolish, annoying, or obnoxious person; (also spec.) a belligerent or disruptive person. Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. bam, n.², bam…
- dipshit1963–coarse slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person; an idiot.
- bamstick1965–A foolish, annoying, or obnoxious person; (also spec.) a belligerent or disruptive person. Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. bam, n.², b…
- doofus1965–A foolish or stupid person, an idiot; also as a general term of contempt. Cf. goofus, n.¹
- flip-out1965–A person who suddenly loses control over his or her emotions or behaviour or who experiences (episodes of) extreme mental distress, esp. (in early…
- dick1966–slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, annoying, or detestable person (esp. a male); one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious…
- pillock1967–Chiefly British colloquial (mildly derogatory). A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
- zipperhead1967–U.S. slang. derogatory. A stupid person; an idiot.
- dipstick1968–slang (originally U.S.). A stupid or obnoxious person. Cf. dipshit, n.
- flake1968–One who is ‘flaky’ or liable to act in an eccentric or crazy manner, a ‘screwball’; also, a foolish, slow-witted, or unreliable person. slang…
- thickie1968–= thick-head, n. 1a. Cf. thick, n. B.II.6.
- fuckwit1969–coarse slang (originally Australian). A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
- poephol1969–The anus; derogatory a stupid or unpleasant person.
- tattie-bogle1969–= potato-bogle, n.; also figurative, a simpleton.
- yo-yo1970–figurative or in figurative context. A stupid person, a fool. U.S. slang.
- doof1971–= doofus, n.
- cockhead1972–coarse slang. A stupid, annoying, or objectionable person (esp. a male); esp. one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious, provocative, or…
- divvy1972–British (originally English regional (Liverpool)). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
- nully1973–A fool, a stupid person; a nobody.
- div1975–A foolish or stupid person; an idiot.
- tube1975–Scottish colloquial. Also in form choob. A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot. Frequently as a disparaging form of address.
- thicko1976–= thick-head, n. 1a.
- wazzock1976–A stupid or annoying person; an idiot.
- gonzo1977–A crazy person, a fool.
- Nimrod1977–North American slang. Usually with lower-case initial. A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
- motorhead1979–An idiot, a fool.
- mouth-breather1979–North American slang. A stupid person.
- no-brainer1979–A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
- prannet1979–An idiot.
- jerkwad1980–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Also as a modifier as a more general term of contempt.
- twonk1981–An idiot; a fool.
- pranny1982–Originally: the female genitals. Later: an idiot.
- dickwad1983–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Cf. jerkwad, n.
- dough ball1983–colloquial (chiefly Scottish) Frequently in form doughball. A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
- dickweed1984–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
- bawheid1985–A person with a large round face; (also) a stupid person. Frequently as a term of mild abuse.
- numpty1985–A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
- dickass1988–slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). An obnoxious or idiotic person (esp. a male).
- jerkweed1988–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. dickweed, n., jerkwad, n.
- dick-sucker1989–coarse slang. A stupid or obnoxious person. Frequently as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. cocksucker, n. 2.
- knob-end1989–coarse slang (chiefly British). derogatory. An annoying, objectionable, or idiotic person; = knobhead, n. 2b. Cf. bell end, n. 3b.
- Muppet1989–slang. An incompetent or ineffectual person; an idiot. Also (with less derogatory force): someone enthusiastic but inept; a person prone to mishaps…
- dickbag1991–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
- dingus1997–slang (originally and chiefly North American). A silly or inept person; a fool, an idiot.
- asshat1998–A stupid or contemptible person.
- assclown1999–A stupid or contemptible person.
- dicksack1999–An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Cf. dickbag, n.
- A foolish or stupid person, a blockhead.
- 2.1967–offensive (originally Military). A person of East or Southeast Asian birth or descent, spec. a Vietnamese person, esp. a member of the North Vietnamese armed forces during the Vietnam War (1955–75). Cf. zip n.4
- 1967
These little yellow, slant-eyed, rice propelled zipperheads, that I affectionately call ‘gooks’.
Flashlight (Mansfield, Pennsylvania) 18 October 2/2 - 1991
I would have found a way to get to Exeter where I would pour a bottle of acid all over their son's slanty-eyed zipperhead face.
B. E. Ellis, American Psycho xi. 95 - 2000
You..zipperhead, don't you watch the news? Communism is dead.
P. Beatty, Tuff v. 61
Pronunciation
British English
U.S. English
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.
Consonants
b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values
- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige
Vowels
- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot
Frequency
zipperhead typically occurs fewer than 0.01 times per million words in modern written English.
zipperhead is in frequency band 2, which contains words occurring between 0.001 and 0.01 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands
Frequency of zipperhead, n., 1960–2010
* Occurrences per million words in written English
Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.
The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.
For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.
Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.
| Decade | Frequency per million words |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 0.0007 |
| 1970 | 0.0008 |
| 1980 | 0.0009 |
| 1990 | 0.0009 |
| 2000 | 0.0011 |
| 2010 | 0.0014 |
Compounds & derived words
- zip, n.⁴ 1968–slang (originally U.S. Military). derogatory and…