noun
Poindexter
POYN-dehks-tuh
Poindexter (noun) means an informal, often mocking term for someone seen as overly bookish, nerdy, or socially awkward. Example: “They teased him as a poindexter for always doing extra homework.”
noun
1
An informal, often mocking term for someone seen as overly bookish, nerdy, or socially awkward.
"They teased him as a poindexter for always doing extra homework."
How to use Poindexter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated, mildly mocking slang term for a nerdy or overly studious person.
When to use it
Informal and somewhat dated slang, mostly heard in American English.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Poindexters
Fill the gap
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They teased him as a _____ for always doing extra homework.
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.
Class of 1959
Poindexter joined the language around 1959.
See the full Class of 1959 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for Poindexter
See all rhymes for 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.
