A "thick skull" has two primary meanings: literally having a skull with increased bone density, or figuratively meaning someone is dull-witted and slow to understand.
Literal Meaning: Increased Skull Thickness
The literal meaning refers to the physical characteristic of having a skull bone that is thicker than average. This can be due to various factors, including:
- Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having thicker skull bones.
- Age: Skull thickness can change with age.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions affecting bone density, such as hyperostosis, can lead to increased skull thickness.
However, having a physically thick skull doesn't necessarily correlate with any cognitive advantage or disadvantage.
Figurative Meaning: Dull-Wittedness
More commonly, "thick-skulled" is used as an idiom to describe someone who is:
- Dull of apprehension: Slow to understand or grasp new concepts.
- Slow to learn: Having difficulty acquiring new information or skills.
- Insensitive: Lacking awareness of or consideration for the feelings of others.
- Stubborn or obstinate: Unwilling to change their mind or consider different perspectives, even when presented with evidence.
- Stupid: (Although considered offensive) displaying a lack of intelligence.
Examples of usage:
- "He kept making the same mistake; he's so thick-skulled."
- "Trying to explain the complex issue to him was like talking to a brick wall; he's incredibly thick-skulled."
It's important to note that using the term "thick-skulled" is generally considered derogatory and can be offensive. It's better to use more respectful and descriptive language to convey a person's difficulties in understanding or learning.
