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Sun 94 Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Egghead

WHat kind of person is called an egghead? If you are callled an egghead, is it insulting? I understand egghead as a person who is very intelligent but don't know how to deal with real life problems. Am I correct?
  

Top answer

egghead : someone who has a lot of knowledge and intelligence and is only interested in academic subjects. It is not intrinsically insulting. Insult or admiration is shown more with the tone of voice.

— Mister Micawber

  • egghead : someone who has a lot of knowledge and intelligence and is only interested in academic subjects.
  • It is not intrinsically insulting.
  • Insult or admiration is shown more with the tone of voice.
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3 Answers
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egghead: someone who has a lot of knowledge and intelligence and is only interested in academic subjects.

It is not intrinsically insulting. Insult or admiration is shown more with the tone of voice.
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Can I use ' an egghead' in both formal and informal settings? For example, when I talk about my teacher can I call him an egghead? or can I call my student an egghead if he is only interested in studying?
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It is an informal word, but remember that there are other considerations in language besides formality. This word can be used in a friendly manner (with a smile) or in reprehension (with a glare or a frown). I suggest that you avoid it with your teacher unless you are also close friends, and avoid it with your students if you respect them - after all, they are presumably in class for intellect
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