noun
dumdum
An insulting term for a foolish person.
He calls himself a dumdum when he forgets his own birthday.
Etymology
The insult repeats dumb in its sense of foolish. Repetition gives the expression an emphatic, childish tone rather than introducing a second distinct root.
More examples
- Don't be a dumdum—read the instructions first.
- She gets angry when her brother calls her a dumdum.
- We feel like dumdums after waiting at the wrong entrance.
Forms
dumdum · dumdums