zipperhead, n.

zipperhead
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zipperhead_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
First published 2007

# 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?

Fewer than 0.01occurrences per million words in modern written English

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

/ˈzɪpəhɛd/
ZIP-uh-hed

#### U.S. English

/ˈzɪpərˌ(h)ɛd/
ZIP-uhr-hed

### 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

1. zipliner, n. 1993–
2. zip lining, n.?1983–
3. zip-lipped, adj. 1943–
4. ziplock, n. 1928–
5. zipped, adj. 1931–
6. zippeite, n. 1850–
7. zipper, n. 1923–
8. zipper, v. 1927–
9. zippered, adj. 1926–
10. zipper foot, n. 1938–
11. zipperhead, n.1967–
12. zipper problem, n. 1985–
13. Zippie, n.¹ 1968–
14. zippie, n.² 1986–
15. zippily, adv. 1924–
16. zippiness, n. 1907–
17. zipping, n. 1868–
18. Zippo, n.¹ 1944–
19. zippo, n.² 1973–
20. zippy, adj. 1889–
21. zip tie, n. 1969–

## Etymology

### Summary

Formed within English, by compounding.
Etymons: an element of uncertain origin, head n.1
< a first element of uncertain origin (see below) + head n.1…
< a first element of uncertain origin (see below) + head n.1

### Notes

The first element perhaps shows zipper n., although if so the semantic motivation is unclear.
Compare earlier uses as a nickname (of uncertain meaning or motivation):

1. 1945

   > Johnny Zipperhead Hinkle was the best damn tiddly-wink pusher in the University.

   Infantry Journal (U.S.) February 42/1
2. 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

The nickname is perhaps partly after Zip the Pinhead, the name of a circus character with an intellectual disability performed by W. H. Johnson (?1857–1926), although the chronology of attestation makes the connection less likely.
With sense 2 compare slightly later zip n.4, which may derive from this word.

## Meaning & use

U.S. slang. derogatory.

1. 1.
   1967–
   A stupid person; an idiot.
   1. 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
   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
   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
   U.S. English colloquial and slang derogatory
   1. ass Old English–
      A foolish or stupid person. Now chiefly British colloquial and somewhat dated. Cf. silly ass, n.
   2. sot Old English–1742
      A foolish or stupid person; a fool, blockhead, dolt. Obsolete.
   3. beast c1225–
      A brutal, cruel, or wicked person. In early use also: †a stupid or foolish person (obsolete). Cf. brute, n.¹ B.2.
   4. long-ear?a1300–
      In singular and (usually) plural. A hare or rabbit.
   5. stock 1303–
      As the type of what is lifeless, motionless, or void of sensation. Hence, a senseless or stupid person.
   6. buzzard 1377–
      figurative. A worthless, stupid, or ignorant person. Often with the adjective blind; also used euphemistically = bastard, n. A.I.2a.
   7. mis-feeling a1382
      A foolish or senseless person.
   8. dasart a1400
      A dazed, stupefied, or inert person; a dullard; = dasiberd, n., dastard, n. A.1.
   9. stone a1400–
      transferred and figurative. Something resembling stone or a stone. In figurative sense, chiefly as the supposed substance of a ‘hard’ heart; also…
   10. dottle c1400–
       A foolish or stupid person; (also) an elderly person whose mental faculties are impaired.
   11. doddypoll 1401–1767
       A stupid person; blockhead, fool.
   12. Jack fool c1405–
       = tomfool, n.
   13. dastard c1440–1552
       One inert or dull of wit, a dullard; a sot. Obsolete.
   14. dotterel 1440–
       A foolish or stupid person; (more usually) an elderly person whose mental faculties are impaired. Now rare (Scottish and English regional (chiefly nor…
   15. dullard c1440–
       A dull or stupid person; a dolt, dunce.
   16. wantwit 1449–
       A person who lacks good sense; a foolish or witless person. Cf. lackwit, n.
   17. dasiberd c1450–1500
       A stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton.
   18. jobard c1475–
       A stupid person, a fool.
   19. noll c1475–1600
       With depreciative adjective: a person of a specified kind. Obsolete.
   20. drivel 1478–1600
       A person lacking in intelligence; a fool, an imbecile.
   21. idiot c1480–
       Frequently derogatory. A person who speaks or acts in what the speaker considers an irrational way, or with extreme stupidity or foolishness.
   22. asshead a1500–
       A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. ass, n.¹ 2.
   23. mule a1500–
       In extended use, of a person. gen. A person having a quality characteristic of or associated with mules, esp. a stupid, obstinate, or physically…
   24. John Blunt?1507
       (Perhaps) a generic name for a dull, stupid person; cf. Jack Blunt, n.
   25. peak 1509–80
       A silly or foolish person; a dolt, a fool. Also peak-hoddy, peak-noddy.
   26. dulbert?a1513–
       A dull or stupid person; one slow of comprehension.
   27. doddy-pate c1525
       = doddypoll, n.
   28. noddypoll a1529–98
       A fool, a simpleton.
   29. blockhead 1532–
       A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. block, n.¹ I.i.1c, I.i.1d. Now colloquial.
   30. hammer-head 1532–
       A head, likened to a hammer; a blockhead. (Cf. beetle-head, n.) Obsolete.
   31. grosshead 1533–1606
       A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. fat-head, n.² 1.
   32. nidiot 1533–
       An idiot, a fool.
   33. dull-head?1534–1624
       A dull-headed or slow-witted person; a fool, a blockhead.
   34. capon 1542–
       As a type of dullness, and a term of reproach.
   35. hare-brain 1542–1670
       One who has a brain like a hare's, or no more brain than a hare; a giddy or reckless person. Obsolete.
   36. dolt 1543–
       A dull, stupid fellow; a blockhead, numskull.
   37. cod's head 1549–
       A stupid or silly person, a fool, a blockhead. Now archaic.
   38. mome 1550–
       A fool, a dolt. Also in extended use.
   39. grout-head 1551–1650
       A blockhead, thickhead, dunce.
   40. gander 1553–
       figurative. A dull or stupid person; a fool, simpleton.
   41. skit-brains?1553–
       attributive and in other combinations, as skit-brains, skit-brained, in opprobrious use.
   42. block a1556–1912
       figurative. 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…
   43. calf a1556–
       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…
   44. hare-cop a1566
       ? = hare-brain, n.
   45. tomfool 1565–
       Usually with capital initial(s). As a proper noun, used as the type of a foolish, stupid, or half-witted person.
   46. dunce 1567–
       A person who is slow at learning or of low intelligence; a stupid, dim-witted person; an idiot. (Now the usual sense.)
   47. John Cheese a1568
       (Perhaps) a fool, an idiot; a contemptible person.
   48. druggard 1569–1733
       Perhaps: (as a term of contempt) = druggle, n. Obsolete.
   49. cobble 1570
       (See quot. 1570: perhaps not the same word.) Obsolete.
   50. dummel 1570–
       A stupid, foolish, or sluggish person; a slow, sluggish, or worn-out animal. Also: †a person who is unable to speak (obsolete).
   51. Essex calf 1573–
       The name of an English county, occurring attributively in Essex board (see quot. 1933); Essex calf (literally a calf reared in Essex), formerly…
   52. jolthead 1573–
       A heavy-headed or thick-headed person; a blockhead. Also attributive.
   53. hardhead 1576–
       An unthinking or unintelligent person; a ‘blockhead’. Also: a person who is stubborn and uncompromising. Occasionally as a nickname. Cf. hard, adj.…
   54. beetle-head 1577–
   55. dor-head 1577
       A stupid or blundering fellow = beetle, n.² 4 (obsolete).
   56. groutnoll 1578–1658
       = grout-head, n.
   57. nidget 1579–
       An idiot, a fool.
   58. thickskin 1582–
       One who has a thick skin; a person dull or slow of feeling. Also attributive.
   59. noddyship?1589
       A mock title for a fool.
   60. dull-pate 1590–1705
       = dull-head, n.
   61. jobbernowl 1592–
       A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a numbskull.
   62. beetle-brain 1593–
   63. Dorbel 1593–1621
       A scholastical pedant, a dull-witted person, dolt; cf. dunce, n.
   64. oatmeal-groat 1594
       Obsolete derogatory. A stupid or worthless person.
   65. loggerhead 1595–
       A thick-headed or stupid person; a blockhead.
   66. blockpate 1598
       A stupid or foolish person; a blockhead.
   67. cittern-head 1598–1640
       Used as a term of abuse, with reference to the grotesquely carved head of a cittern.
   68. cloghead 1598–
       derogatory. Now rare. A stupid or foolish person. Formerly also: †the head of such a person (obsolete). Cf. blockhead, n.
   69. noddypoop 1598
       = noddypoll, n.
   70. dorbellist 1599
   71. numps 1599–
       A silly or stupid person. Frequently as a form of address. Cf. numpty, n.
   72. shallow-pate 1600–
       A person of shallow intellect.
   73. dor 1601–57
       figurative. Applied to persons. Obsolete.
   74. lunatic 1602–
       figurative (chiefly disparaging or derogatory). A person regarded as extremely or recklessly foolish, wildly irrational, eccentric, delusional, or…
   75. stump 1602–
       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…
   76. flight-head 1605
       ‘A wild-headed person’ (Nares).
   77. ram-head 1605–
       A person whose head is likened to that of a ram; a dull, slow-witted, or obstinate individual; a cuckold. Now historical.
   78. look-like-a-goose 1606–24
       A foolish or stupid person; cf. goose, n. 1f.
   79. ruff 1606–74
       A blockhead, a fool.
   80. clod 1607–
       figurative. A blockhead, clodpate; a clodhopper.
   81. halfwit 1607–
       A person of limited intelligence; a stupid or foolish person.
   82. turf 1607–74
       A clod of earth. Also figurative cf. clod, n. 4. Obsolete.
   83. asinego 1609–1714
       A ‘donkey,’ fool, dolt.
   84. clot-poll 1609–
       (clotpoll, -pole.) A clod-poll, n., blockhead, dolt.
   85. doddie a1611
       Shortened form of doddypoll, n. Obsolete.
   86. druggle 1611–53
       A term of contempt: a heavy, stupid, weak, or cowardly person.
   87. duncecomb 1612
       A stupid person; a fool, a dunce.
   88. ox-head 1613–
       A stupid person; a dolt, a blockhead. Now chiefly archaic.
   89. clod-poll a1616–
       = clod-pate, n.
   90. dulman 1615–61
       A dull or stupid person; humorously as a proper name.
   91. jolterhead 1620–
       = jolthead, n. 2.
   92. bullhead 1624–
       ‘A stupid fellow; a blockhead’ (Johnson). Also attributive.
   93. dunderwhelp a1625–
       A stupid or foolish person; = dunderhead, n.
   94. non-intelligent 1628–1866
       A person who is not intelligent; (also) a person who does not understand. Obsolete.
   95. dunderhead 1630–
       A stupid or slow-witted person; an idiot, a fool.
   96. macaroon a1631–
       slang. A buffoon; a blockhead, a dolt. Also (regional): a fop (cf. macaroni, n. 2).
   97. moonling 1631–
       A simpleton; an idiot.
   98. clod-pate a1635–
       A thickhead or blockhead.
   99. clot a1637–
       colloquial. A dull-witted, clumsy, or blundering person. In later use often as a mild or affectionate term of reproach. Cf. clod, n. 5.
   100. dildo 1638–
        colloquial. Originally as a general term of abuse for a boy or young man. In later use: a stupid, inept, or ridiculous person.
   101. clot-pate 1640–54
        = clod-pate, n.
   102. stupid 1640–
        colloquial. A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
   103. underhead 1643–80
        A person of inferior intelligence. Obsolete.
   104. clod-head 1644–
        A clod-pate, n.
   105. stub 1644
        figurative. A blockhead; = stock, n.¹ A.I.1c. Obsolete.
   106. simpletonian 1652–
        An unintelligent, foolish, or gullible person; a simpleton.
   107. bottle-head 1654–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a fool, a blockhead.
   108. Boeotian a1657–
        A stupid clown, a ‘thick-head’.
   109. vappe 1657
        figurative. A stupid person.
   110. lackwit 1668–
        A witless or stupid person.
   111. no conjurer 1668–
        transferred. Said ironically of a person of superior cleverness. no conjurer n. one who is far from clever.
   112. cudden 1673–1719
        A born fool, a dolt. Obsolete.
   113. plant-animal 1673–1706
        figurative. A dull, inert, or stupid person. Obsolete.
   114. dolt-head 1679–1711
        a. A dolt, blockhead; b. a stupid head (quot. 1711).
   115. cabbage head 1682–
        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.
   116. driveller 1682–
        A person who talks or acts in a foolish, silly, or feeble way; a drivelling idiot.
   117. tomfool 1683–
        As a common noun: a foolish or stupid person; an idiot.
   118. put 1688–
        A stupid or foolish person, a blockhead. Cf. country put, n.
   119. a piece of wood 1691
        Phrases. a piece of wood: a contemptuous appellation for a stupid person; a blockhead.
   120. ouphe 1694–
        Chiefly Scottish (north-eastern). A stupid or ineffectual person.
   121. dunderpate 1697–
        A stupid or foolish person; = dunderhead, n.
   122. numbskull 1697–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot, a blockhead.
   123. insipid 1699–1796
        An insipid person or thing; one who is deficient in sense, spirit, or taste. Obsolete.
   124. leather-head 1699–
        a. slang a blockhead; b. Australian the friar-bird.
   125. nocky 1699–
        A fool, a simpleton.
   126. Tom Cony 1699
        In 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…
   127. mopus 1700
        A simpleton; a dull, stupid, or ineffectual person; = mope, n. 1.
   128. bluff-head 1703–
        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…
   129. clod skull 1707–
        = clod-head, n.
   130. shallow-brains 1707
        A shallow-brained person.
   131. sillytonian 1707–38
        A silly or gullible person, esp. one considered as belonging to a notional sect of such people. Cf. sillyton, n., grumbletonian, n.
   132. dunny 1709–1906
        a. A stupid or foolish person; a person lacking in intellect or understanding. b. A deaf person. Obsolete.
   133. inane 1710–
        An empty-headed, unintelligent person.
   134. dowf 1722–
        A dull, spiritless, foolish, or stupid person. Now rare.
   135. niddy-noddy 1722–
        An idiot, a fool; a grotesque image. Also as adj.: stupid. English regional in later use.
   136. stupe 1722–
        A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
   137. coof 1724–
        A dull spiritless fellow; one somewhat obtuse in sense and sensibility.
   138. gamphrel 1729–
        A stupid or foolish person; a fool, a blockhead, an idiot.
   139. gobbin?1746–
        An unintelligent or uneducated person; a fool, an idiot.
   140. duncehead 1749–
        derogatory or disparaging. A stupid, inept, or dim-witted person; an idiot. Cf. dunce, n. II.3.
   141. thick-skull 1755–
        A thick-skulled person.
   142. jackass 1756–
        A foolish or stupid person; an idiot, a dolt. Cf. ass, n.¹ 2. Now chiefly North American.
   143. woollen-head 1756
        A thick-headed or dull person (in quot. attributive).
   144. numbhead 1757–
        A numbskull, a blockhead.
   145. crazy pate 1758–1920
        A person considered to be irrational, foolish, or insane.
   146. dummy 1763–
        A foolish or stupid person; an idiot. Frequently as a general term of abuse.
   147. beef-head 1775–
        A thick-head, a block-head.
   148. granny 1776–
        Originally U.S. A person compared disparagingly to an old woman; a fussy, indecisive, or unenterprising person. Also: (English regional (Cheshire))…
   149. imbecile 1781–
        Chiefly derogatory. A very stupid, foolish, or ignorant person.
   150. puggle 1783–1925
        A crazy or foolish person, an idiot. Obsolete.
   151. stupid-head 1792–
        A stupid or slow-witted person; a fool, an idiot, a blockhead; frequently as a contemptuous form of address.
   152. stunpoll a1794–
        A dolt, blockhead.
   153. timber-head 1794–
        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…
   154. wether head a1796–
        A sheep's head; figurative a stupid person.
   155. noghead 1800–
        A foolish or stupid person.
   156. staumrel 1802–
        A stupid, halfwitted person.
   157. muttonhead 1803–
        A dull or stupid person. Cf. sheep's head, n. 2.
   158. doughhead 1807–
        (A name for) a stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   159. num 1807
        = numbskull, n.
   160. dummkopf 1809–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dumbhead, n.
   161. tumphy a1813–
        A stupid person, a blockhead.
   162. ganache 1814–
        derogatory. A person of low intelligence. Now rare.
   163. dumbhead 1818–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   164. cod's head and shoulders 1820–
        In fishes (singular and plural), the upper part of the trunk, adjoining the head.
   165. loon 1823–
        A person regarded as foolish, unintelligent, irrational, or out of touch with reality; a person who thinks or behaves in ways which are not…
   166. stoopid 1823–
        Chiefly as a contemptuous form of address: a stupid or foolish person; = stupid, n. C.1.
   167. thick-head 1824–
        One who is dull of intellect; a blockhead.
   168. dult 1825–
        = dolt, n.; a dunce; the boy at the bottom of a class or form.
   169. gype 1825–
        A fool, an idiot.
   170. stob 1825
        figurative. (See quot. 1825.)
   171. stookie a1828–
        A plaster statue, a wax figure or dummy. Also transferred, a slow-witted person, a blockhead.
   172. woodenhead 1831–
        A stupid person, a blockhead.
   173. ning-nong 1832–
        A fool, a stupid person. Also in extended use. Cf. nig-nog, n.¹
   174. slobber-chops 1832–
        As a general term of abuse or contempt: a stupid, contemptible, or ineffectual person. Now rare.
   175. log-head 1834–
        = blockhead, n. A.1.
   176. fat-head 1835–
        One having a fat head; a stupid dolt.
   177. dunderheadism 1836–
        Behaviour typical of a dunderhead; foolishness, stupidity.
   178. turnip 1837–
        In slang or colloquial uses. disparaging. A foolish or stupid person; (often by implication) a naive or unsophisticated person from the…
   179. wanwit 1837–
        colloquial. A person whose mental faculties are limited or impaired. Also: a foolish or irrational person. Now archaic and rare.
   180. mudhead 1838–
        U.S. colloquial. derogatory. A native of Tennessee. Now rare.
   181. donkey 1840–
        transferred. A stupid or silly person.
   182. stupex 1843–
        A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
   183. cabbage 1844–
        A dull-witted person; someone lacking interests or ambition (cf. cabbage head, n.). Also: a person who is incapable of normal mental or physical…
   184. opacity 1844–
        Denseness or obtuseness of intellect or understanding. Also (in quot. 1844): a person exemplifying this. Now rare.
   185. morepork 1845–
        colloquial. Australian. A stupid or tiresome person (frequently as a term of abuse).
   186. lubber-head 1847–
        A stupid person, a blockhead; hence lubber-headed adj. (Eng. Dial. Dict.).
   187. slowpoke 1847–
        (A name for) a slow or lazy person; a dawdler; a slowcoach. Also: †a dim-witted person (obsolete).
   188. stupiditarian 1850–
        An unintelligent, uneducated, or foolish person.
   189. pudding-head 1851–
        derogatory. A stupid person.
   190. cod's head and shoulders 1852–
        A stupid or silly person, a fool, a blockhead. Now archaic.
   191. eejit 1853–
        = idiot, n.
   192. putty head 1853–
        A stupid person.
   193. nowmun 1854–
        A fool, an idiot.
   194. moke 1855–
        In extended use: a person who is stupid, awkward, or incompetent; a dolt, a fool; = donkey, n. 2a.
   195. mullet-head 1855–
        A stupid person.
   196. pothead 1855–
        colloquial (chiefly regional). A stupid person, a fool.
   197. mug 1857–
        A stupid or incompetent person; a fool or simpleton; a gullible person, a dupe.
   198. thick 1857–
        colloquial and slang (originally Schoolboys'). A thick-headed or stupid person.
   199. clot-head 1859–
        = clot-pate, n.
   200. boodle 1862–88
        A stupid or silly person; a fool, an idiot.
   201. meathead 1863–
        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.
   202. missing link 1863–
        colloquial. derogatory. Applied to a person, esp. one considered crude or stupid.
   203. scant-brain 1864
        One lacking in wits.
   204. half-baked 1866–
        colloquial and regional. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. sense A.2b.
   205. crazyhead 1867–
        slang (chiefly derogatory). A person who is considered to lack intelligence or common sense.
   206. lunk 1867–
        A slow-witted, unintelligent person.
   207. turnip head 1867–
        A foolish or stupid person; (often by implication) a naive or unsophisticated person from the countryside; a country bumpkin; cf. turnip, n. 3b, tur…
   208. rummy 1872–
        A stupid person; a dupe.
   209. born idiot 1873–
        A person having an intellectual disability (now offensive); (in later use also) a person who acts with extreme stupidity or foolishness.
   210. dinlo 1873–
        A stupid, annoying, or hapless person; an idiot, a fool.
   211. doughbake 1874–
        Chiefly English regional (south-western). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dough-baked, adj. 2.
   212. pumpkin-head 1876–
        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…
   213. insensate 1877–
        An insensate person.
   214. tattie 1879–
        = potato, n. 2. Also figurative, a stupid person.
   215. chump 1883–
        figurative. A man as unintelligent as a chump of wood; a block, blockhead (cf. block, n.¹ I.i.1d).
   216. dully 1883–
        A dull or stupid person.
   217. cretin 1884–
        derogatory and potentially offensive. An extremely foolish or stupid person; an idiot, a fool. Also as a general term of abuse or disparagement.
   218. lunkhead 1884–
        A blockhead.
   219. mopstick 1886
        slang. A stupid person, an idiot. Obsolete. rare.
   220. knuckle-head 1890–
        A slow-witted or stupid person.
   221. peanut head 1891–
        A stupid or foolish person; also as a term of abuse. Cf. pinhead, n. A.4a, pea-brain, n., etc.
   222. pie-face 1891–
        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…
   223. lardhead 1893–
        A foolish person; a person lacking in intelligence. Cf. fat-head, n.² 1.
   224. butt-head 1896–
        Originally and chiefly North American. A stupid, stubborn, or contemptible person. Cf. butt-headed, adj. 1.
   225. pinhead 1896–
        colloquial. derogatory. A person with an abnormally small head; (figurative) a stupid or foolish person.
   226. ding-a-ling 1899–
        North American colloquial (originally slang). A person who is psychologically disturbed or mentally ill, esp. (in early use) as a result of being…
   227. cheesehead 1900–
        A silly or foolish person; an idiot.
   228. nyamps 1900–
        An incapable, worthless, or stupid person.
   229. box head 1902–
        colloquial. A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. blockhead, n. A.1.
   230. bonehead 1903–
        slang (originally U.S.). A person characterized as unthinking or unintelligent; a blockhead.
   231. chickenhead 1903–
        colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Usually as two words or with hyphen. A foolish or stupid person. Cf. chicken-headed, adj.
   232. gook 1904–
        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
   233. thickwit 1904–
        A thick-witted person.
   234. cluck 1906–
        U.S. slang. A stupid, inept, or unsuccessful person.
   235. boob 1907–
        colloquial. Originally and chiefly U.S. A stupid, inept, or blundering person; a fool. Cf. booby, n.¹ 1a.
   236. John 1908–
        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.
   237. mooch 1910–
        colloquial and regional. A slow-witted person; one who is easily taken in or swindled; a dupe, a sucker. Now chiefly U.S.
   238. nitwit 1910–
        A stupid, silly, or foolish person. Also in extended use as a term of abuse or derision.
   239. dikkop 1913–
        figurative. = thick-head, n. 1.
   240. feeb 1914–
        A foolish or stupid person.
   241. goop 1914–
        A stupid or fatuous person.
   242. lamebrain 1914–
        A foolish, stupid, or idiotic person; a dimwit. Also as a contemptuous form of address.
   243. dingbat 1915–
        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…
   244. goofus 1916–
        A foolish or stupid person. Cf. doofus, n.
   245. rumdum 1916–
        A drunkard, esp. one whose faculties are affected by drinking. Hence: a fool, a person lacking ability.
   246. bone dome 1917–
        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…
   247. oik 1917–
        An uncouth, loutish, uneducated, or obnoxious person; a yob (esp. with connotations of lower-class origin).
   248. dumbbell 1918–
        colloquial (originally U.S.). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot. Cf. dumb, adj. A.II.10a.
   249. jabroni 1919–
        U.S. slang and colloquial (derogatory, often used mockingly). A stupid, objectionable, or ridiculous man; a loser, a knuckle-head.
   250. goldfish 1920–
        figurative. Chiefly in similative and allusive use, typically as a means of characterizing or stereotyping a person as having limited intelligence…
   251. knob 1920–
        slang. An annoying, unpleasant, or idiotic person (esp. a man or boy). Cf. knobhead, n. 2.
   252. dumb bunny 1921–
        A foolish or stupid person.
   253. goon 1921–
        A stolid, dull, or stupid person. Originally U.S.
   254. ratbag 1921–
        A disagreeable, disreputable, or contemptible person or (occasionally) thing, a ‘scumbag’; (also, Australian) a wayward or eccentric person, a crank.
   255. bodoh 1922–
        Malaysian English and Singapore English (colloquial and derogatory). A person who is foolish, ignorant, or inept; an idiot, a dunce.
   256. dimwit 1922–
        A stupid or slow-witted person.
   257. moron 1922–
        derogatory. A stupid or slow-witted person; a fool, an idiot. Also attributive or as adj.
   258. ivory dome 1923–
        A stupid person.
   259. stone jug 1923–
        Rhyming slang. = mug, n.⁶ Cf. steamer, n. 11.
   260. dingleberry 1924–
        slang. Originally U.S. A foolish, stupid, or annoying person.
   261. gimp 1924–
        derogatory slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person.
   262. bird brain 1926–
        A foolish or unintelligent person.
   263. jughead 1926–
        A foolish or stupid person; also, as a mere term of abuse.
   264. no-brow 1926–
        A person having, or regarded as having, few or no cultural interests or little intellect.
   265. cloth-head 1927–
        A thick-head; cf. clot-head, n.
   266. dumb 1928–
        colloquial. North American. A foolish or stupid person.
   267. gazook 1928–
        A fool; a stupid or unpleasant person.
   268. mouldwarp 1928–
        U.S. regional. A stupid or worthless person.
   269. ding-dong 1929–
        slang (originally U.S.). A worthless, stupid, insane, or wildly eccentric person. Cf. dingbat, n. A.3.
   270. stupido 1929–
        Originally and chiefly in Italian-speaking contexts: a stupid person. Also used as a contemptuous form of address.
   271. mook 1930–
        colloquial and derogatory (U.S. and Caribbean). An incompetent or stupid person; a contemptible person (esp. with reference to low social status).
   272. sparrow-brain 1930–
        (A person with) a tiny brain, (a person of) limited intelligence or perception.
   273. knobhead 1931–
        Used as a disparaging term for a person. North American slang. A stupid or slow-witted person; a dolt, an idiot, a numbskull.
   274. dip 1932–
        A stupid, unremarkable, or contemptible person.
   275. drip 1932–
        A stupid, feeble, or dull person; a fool; a bore. slang.
   276. dumbo 1932–
        A stupid person; an idiot.
   277. epsilon 1932–
        A person of low intelligence.
   278. bohunkus 1933–
        A stupid, obnoxious, or worthless person. Often as a general term of abuse or contemptuous form of address. Cf. bohunk, n. A.2.
   279. diddy 1933–
        Chiefly Scottish. A fool, an idiot.
   280. dill 1933–
        A foolish or silly person; an idiot; a simpleton. Also: a victim of deception; a dupe (see quot. 1941).
   281. eight ball 1933–
        slang (originally Military). An unruly person; spec. a useless or insubordinate soldier.
   282. dumbass 1934–
        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.
   283. zombie 1936–
        figurative. colloquial. A dull, apathetic, unresponsive, or unthinkingly acquiescent person. Also as a general term of disparagement.
   284. pea-brain 1938–
        colloquial (derogatory). A stupid or empty-headed person; an idiot, a fool; (also) the supposedly tiny brain of such a person.
   285. knot-head 1940–
        A stupid person (see also quot. 1940); also, a stupid horse.
   286. schlump 1941–
        A dull-witted, dejected, or talentless person; a fool.
   287. jarhead 1942–
        A foolish or stupid person.
   288. dillbrain 1943–
        A foolish or silly person; an idiot; = dill, n.⁶
   289. Joe Soap 1943–
        colloquial. Name applied to a ‘dumb’ person, a mug; also, more generally, a quite ordinary person, any person.
   290. nong 1944–
        Australian and New Zealand slang. A fool; a stupid or incompetent person. Cf. ning-nong, n., nong-nong, n.
   291. gobshite 1946–
        Chiefly Irish English. derogatory. A foolish, incompetent, or gullible person; a person who talks nonsense or speaks incessantly; a loudmouth.
   292. rock-head 1947–
        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…
   293. potato head 1948–
        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…
   294. jerko 1949–
        A stupid, irritating, or deliberately obnoxious person; = jerk, n.¹ A.III.12. Frequently as a derogatory form of address.
   295. turkey 1951–
        U.S. slang. A stupid, slow, inept, or otherwise worthless person.
   296. momo 1953–
        An idiot; a stupid person.
   297. dumb-arse 1954–
        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.
   298. poop-head 1955–
        A stupid person.
   299. a right one 1958–
        colloquial (chiefly British and Irish English). As an intensifier (usually in derogatory and ironical contexts): complete, absolute, total…
   300. head-the-ball 1958–
        (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.
   301. bam 1959–
        A foolish, annoying, or obnoxious person; (also spec.) a belligerent or disruptive person. Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. bampot, n.…
   302. nong-nong 1959–
        = nong, n. 2.
   303. dickhead 1960–
        A stupid, annoying, or objectionable person (esp. a male); one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious, provocative, or disruptive. Cf. dick…
   304. Herbert 1960–
        A stupid, ridiculous, or inconsequential person.
   305. bampot 1962–
        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…
   306. dipshit 1963–
        coarse slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, inept, or contemptible person; an idiot.
   307. bamstick 1965–
        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…
   308. doofus 1965–
        A foolish or stupid person, an idiot; also as a general term of contempt. Cf. goofus, n.¹
   309. flip-out 1965–
        A person who suddenly loses control over his or her emotions or behaviour or who experiences (episodes of) extreme mental distress, esp. (in early…
   310. dick 1966–
        slang (originally U.S.). A stupid, annoying, or detestable person (esp. a male); one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious…
   311. pillock 1967–
        Chiefly British colloquial (mildly derogatory). A stupid person; a fool, an idiot.
   312. zipperhead 1967–
        U.S. slang. derogatory. A stupid person; an idiot.
   313. dipstick 1968–
        slang (originally U.S.). A stupid or obnoxious person. Cf. dipshit, n.
   314. flake 1968–
        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…
   315. thickie 1968–
        = thick-head, n. 1a. Cf. thick, n. B.II.6.
   316. fuckwit 1969–
        coarse slang (originally Australian). A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
   317. poephol 1969–
        The anus; derogatory a stupid or unpleasant person.
   318. tattie-bogle 1969–
        = potato-bogle, n.; also figurative, a simpleton.
   319. yo-yo 1970–
        figurative or in figurative context. A stupid person, a fool. U.S. slang.
   320. doof 1971–
        = doofus, n.
   321. cockhead 1972–
        coarse slang. A stupid, annoying, or objectionable person (esp. a male); esp. one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious, provocative, or…
   322. divvy 1972–
        British (originally English regional (Liverpool)). A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   323. nully 1973–
        A fool, a stupid person; a nobody.
   324. div 1975–
        A foolish or stupid person; an idiot.
   325. tube 1975–
        Scottish colloquial. Also in form choob. A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot. Frequently as a disparaging form of address.
   326. thicko 1976–
        = thick-head, n. 1a.
   327. wazzock 1976–
        A stupid or annoying person; an idiot.
   328. gonzo 1977–
        A crazy person, a fool.
   329. Nimrod 1977–
        North American slang. Usually with lower-case initial. A stupid or contemptible person; an idiot.
   330. motorhead 1979–
        An idiot, a fool.
   331. mouth-breather 1979–
        North American slang. A stupid person.
   332. no-brainer 1979–
        A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
   333. prannet 1979–
        An idiot.
   334. jerkwad 1980–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Also as a modifier as a more general term of contempt.
   335. twonk 1981–
        An idiot; a fool.
   336. pranny 1982–
        Originally: the female genitals. Later: an idiot.
   337. dickwad 1983–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Cf. jerkwad, n.
   338. dough ball 1983–
        colloquial (chiefly Scottish) Frequently in form doughball. A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   339. dickweed 1984–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
   340. bawheid 1985–
        A person with a large round face; (also) a stupid person. Frequently as a term of mild abuse.
   341. numpty 1985–
        A stupid or foolish person; an idiot.
   342. dickass 1988–
        slang (originally and chiefly U.S.). An obnoxious or idiotic person (esp. a male).
   343. jerkweed 1988–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Often as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. dickweed, n., jerkwad, n.
   344. dick-sucker 1989–
        coarse slang. A stupid or obnoxious person. Frequently as a contemptuous form of address. Cf. cocksucker, n. 2.
   345. knob-end 1989–
        coarse slang (chiefly British). derogatory. An annoying, objectionable, or idiotic person; = knobhead, n. 2b. Cf. bell end, n. 3b.
   346. Muppet 1989–
        slang. An incompetent or ineffectual person; an idiot. Also (with less derogatory force): someone enthusiastic but inept; a person prone to mishaps…
   347. dickbag 1991–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male).
   348. dingus 1997–
        slang (originally and chiefly North American). A silly or inept person; a fool, an idiot.
   349. asshat 1998–
        A stupid or contemptible person.
   350. assclown 1999–
        A stupid or contemptible person.
   351. dicksack 1999–
        An obnoxious, detestable, or stupid person (esp. a male). Cf. dickbag, n.
   352. besom-head
        A foolish or stupid person, a blockhead.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 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
   1. 1967

      > These little yellow, slant-eyed, rice propelled zipperheads, that I affectionately call ‘gooks’.

      Flashlight (Mansfield, Pennsylvania) 18 October 2/2
   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
   3. 2000

      > You..zipperhead, don't you watch the news? Communism is dead.

      P. Beatty, Tuff v. 61
   military U.S. English colloquial and slang derogatory offensive

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzɪpəhɛd/
ZIP-uh-hed

### U.S. English

/ˈzɪpərˌ(h)ɛd/
ZIP-uhr-hed

####

##### 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 /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### 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 /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### 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 data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### 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

Sort by

1. zip, n.⁴ 1968–
   slang (originally U.S. Military). derogatory and…

zipperhead, n. was first published in March 2007.

zipperhead, n. was last modified in September 2024.