Boneheaded Meaning in English

word

US

ˈboʊnˌhɛdɪd

BOHN-hed-id

UK

bˈəʊnhɛdɪd

BOHN-hed-id

Definition

Used to describe someone or something as very stupid or foolish, especially when a person makes an obvious mistake.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and mildly insulting; often used to describe silly mistakes ('boneheaded decision'). Close to 'dumb' or 'foolish,' but almost always about actions, not someone's overall intelligence. Not used in formal writing.

• Spanish: tonto - torpe
• Portuguese (BR): cabeça-dura - tolo
• Portuguese (PT): cabeça-dura - estúpido
• Chinese (Simplified): 愚蠢的
• Chinese (Traditional): 愚蠢的
• Hindi: मूर्खतापूर्ण
• Arabic: غبي
• Bengali: মূর্খ - নির্বোধ
• Russian: тупой - глупый (поступок)
• Japanese: 愚かな
• Vietnamese: ngu ngốc - dại dột
• Korean: 멍청한 - 바보 같은
• Turkish: aptalca - dangalakça
• Urdu: بےوقوف - احمقانہ
• Indonesian: bodoh - tolol

Example Sentences

That was a boneheaded mistake.

basic

He made a boneheaded decision at work.

basic

Don't be so boneheaded!

basic

That was a boneheaded move, locking your keys in the car.

natural

I can't believe I made such a boneheaded error on the test.

natural

The coach was frustrated by his team's boneheaded plays.

natural