Poindexter
4 synonyms for Poindexter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal, often mocking term for someone seen as overly bookish, nerdy, or socially awkward.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From the surname Poindexter, popularized as slang after a bookish, socially awkward character of that name appeared in the 1959 Felix the Cat cartoon.
Full origin of Poindexter →Frequently asked questions
What does “Poindexter” mean?
The word “Poindexter” means an informal, often mocking term for someone seen as overly bookish, nerdy, or socially awkward. In plain terms, a dated, mildly mocking slang term for a nerdy or overly studious person.
How do you pronounce “Poindexter”?
“Poindexter” is pronounced POYN-dehks-tuh (/ˈpɔɪnˌdɛkstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Poindexter” in a sentence?
Here is “Poindexter” used in a sentence: “They teased him as a poindexter for always doing extra homework.”
What part of speech is “Poindexter”?
“Poindexter” is a noun.
Where does the word “Poindexter” come from?
The word “Poindexter” dates back to around 1959. From the surname Poindexter, popularized as slang after a bookish, socially awkward character of that name appeared in the 1959 Felix the Cat cartoon.
