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Deadhead
01
a stupid, dull, or lazy person
Informal
Offensive
What is the origin of the term "deadhead" and how is it used?
"Deadhead" is an English slang term that emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century to describe a stupid, dull, or lazy person. It originally referred to someone who rode trains without paying, a "dead head" on the payroll, before developing a figurative sense for someone unproductive or lacking intelligence. The term has appeared in informal speech, literature, and workplace contexts to criticize laziness or dullness. It is mildly derogatory, generally teasing or critical rather than deeply offensive, and context-dependent.
Examples
The deadhead could n't solve the easy crossword.
02
a nonenterprising person who is not paying his way
Grammatical Information
03
a train or bus or taxi traveling empty
