Pop
airhead
What does airhead mean?
Someone perceived as ditzy, spacey, or out of touch with reality.
"She acts like an airhead but she's actually really sharp."
Origin
American slang that surged in the 80s, painting a vacant person as having a head full of air. It pairs with the Valley-girl and teen-comedy stereotype of the era.
Frequently asked questions
What does airhead mean?
It describes a silly, scatterbrained, or unintelligent person — like their head is full of air instead of brains.
Is airhead an insult?
Yes, though a mild one. It can be teasing among friends or a genuine put-down depending on tone.
Did airhead start in the 80s?
It became widely popular in the 80s, fitting the era's teen-comedy and Valley-girl stereotypes.
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