caveman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, often humorous or derogatory
Quick answer
What does “caveman” mean?
A prehistoric human who lived in caves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prehistoric human who lived in caves.
A man with uncivilized, primitive, or boorish behavior; often used pejoratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and connotations are very similar. Slightly more likely to be used in American media for humorous stereotypes (e.g., in cartoons).
Connotations
Both varieties share strong connotations of primitiveness, lack of sophistication, and often sexist or outdated male behavior.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; common in informal speech and popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “caveman” in a Sentence
[act/live/behave] like a ~[have/possess] a ~ mentalitythe ~ [in him]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caveman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tends to caveman his way through negotiations, just grunting and pointing.
American English
- Don't just caveman the controller, use the buttons properly!
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically to criticize outdated, uncooperative, or non-communicative business practices: 'His caveman approach to management won't work here.'
Academic
Rare in formal contexts. Used in anthropology/archaeology for its literal meaning.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, often humorously or pejoratively describing a man's behavior: 'He eats with his hands like a caveman.'
Technical
Only in archaeology/paleoanthropology, though terms like 'Paleolithic human' are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “caveman”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “caveman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caveman”
- Using it as a formal historical term in academic writing. Confusing it with 'cave dweller' (which can refer to any era). Overusing the metaphor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in academic or respectful contexts, terms like 'Paleolithic humans,' 'early hominins,' or 'prehistoric peoples' are preferred. 'Caveman' is considered simplistic and cartoonish.
Extremely rarely. The term is strongly gendered. The female equivalent 'cavewoman' exists but is far less common and carries different, often less pejorative, connotations (sometimes positively connoting strength).
Also known as the Paleo diet, it's a nutritional plan based on the presumed diet of Paleolithic humans, emphasizing meat, fish, vegetables, and nuts, while avoiding processed foods and grains.
It metaphorically reduces a complex person to a stereotype of primitiveness, implying a lack of intelligence, emotional sensitivity, social skills, and modern values.
A prehistoric human who lived in caves.
Caveman is usually informal, often humorous or derogatory in register.
Caveman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪvmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪvmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Caveman mentality”
- “A caveman approach to...”
- “Drag (someone) back to the cave”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAN living in a CAVE. The word is a direct compound: CAVE + MAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (past is 'behind' or 'back'); PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS (uncivilized behavior is animalistic).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'caveman' most likely to be used metaphorically and pejoratively?