Definition & Meaning of "chowderhead"in English

What is the origin of the term "chowderhead" and how is it used?

Chowderhead is a slang term that appeared in early 20th-century American English to describe a person regarded as stupid or slow-witted. The term comes from chowder, a thick, mushy soup, used metaphorically to suggest a person's head is full of mush—i.e., lacking intelligence or common sense. Literally, it labels someone as mentally "soft" or incapable of thinking clearly. Historically, it was derogatory but mild, and today it remains informal and lightly insulting, often used in humorous or teasing contexts rather than aggressive or vulgar speech.