Egghead

An 'egghead' is a derogatory or informal term used to describe a person, often a man, who is perceived as highly intelligent, studious, and intellectually inclined, sometimes to the point of being impractical or out of touch with the everyday world. The term often implies an excessive focus on academics, theory, or abstract ideas at the expense of more practical or social concerns. It carries a connotation of being bookish, overly serious, and perhaps even socially awkward. The term is generally not considered complimentary, and its use can be interpreted as belittling or dismissive of someone's intellectual pursuits.

Egghead meaning with examples

• Despite his undeniable brilliance, some colleagues dismissed him as an egghead, unable to connect his complex theories to real-world applications. His research was groundbreaking, but his presentations often left audiences bewildered by the technical jargon. He struggled to communicate with people outside of his narrow academic field, making collaboration difficult and alienating potential investors in his projects.
• The political commentator frequently criticized the policy makers as a group of out-of-touch eggheads, disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. He accused them of prioritizing abstract economic models over the tangible needs of the working class, dismissing the importance of things like infrastructure improvements and the human experience.
• During the debate, the candidate attempted to portray his opponent, a professor, as an egghead to discredit his stance on national defense. He highlighted his opponent's inexperience in military matters and painted him as someone whose understanding of global conflicts came solely from the books.
• The protagonist, a working-class man, felt intimidated by his new girlfriend's family, describing them as a group of eggheads with their constant discussions of philosophy and art. He felt self-conscious, intimidated, and out of his depth in social situations, struggling to keep up with the conversations.
• She had a difficult time connecting with her colleagues due to their highly sophisticated academic conversations, but eventually felt they were very knowledgeable.