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poindexter

/ˈpɔɪnˌdɛkstər/
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Other forms: poindexters

The word poindexter is a playful — but not the most flattering — term for someone who's highly intelligent or academically gifted but socially awkward.

The word poindexter comes from the name of a nerdy cartoon character in the 1950s TV show Felix the Cat. With his thick glasses and studious demeanor, Poindexter — the genius scientist and good friend of Felix — became a symbol for the combination of high intelligence and low social skills. Today, the term is often used teasingly to describe someone who excels in academics but finds social interactions more challenging.

Definitions of poindexter
  1. noun
    a person who likes to study hard and stand out as an expert in some area, but who may be lacking in social skills
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