neanderthal
B2Formal (scientific/historical), Informal (pejorative, figurative)
Definition
Meaning
A member of an extinct species of archaic human (Homo neanderthalensis) that lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago.
Informally and often pejoratively used to describe a person with very old-fashioned, crude, or brutish views, especially regarding gender roles or social behavior; someone perceived as unintelligent or uncivilized.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The scientific/historical meaning is neutral. The figurative, pejorative use is common in casual speech but is increasingly criticized for being offensive and inaccurate, promoting harmful stereotypes about early humans.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK standard is 'Neanderthal' or 'neanderthal'. US standard is 'Neanderthal' or 'neanderthal', but the older variant 'Neanderthaler' is obsolete. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The pejorative connotation is equally strong.
Frequency
The figurative use is common in both varieties in informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] neanderthala neanderthal of a [noun]accuse someone of being a neanderthalVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not] exactly a rocket scientist (similar connotation)”
- “dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used, except metaphorically in criticism: 'His neanderthal views on remote work are holding the team back.'
Academic
Common in anthropology, archaeology, and genetics with precise, neutral meaning.
Everyday
Common in its informal, pejorative sense to insult someone's views, especially as sexist or boorish.
Technical
Specific term in paleoanthropology and evolutionary biology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not standard; very rare and nonce use) You can't just neanderthal your way through this negotiation.
American English
- (Not standard; very rare and nonce use) He tends to neanderthal around the office, oblivious to basic etiquette.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare/Non-standard) He acted neanderthally, grunting instead of speaking.
American English
- (Extremely rare/Non-standard) The system is neanderthally outdated.
adjective
British English
- His views on gender equality are downright neanderthal.
- The manager's neanderthal approach to flexible working caused an exodus.
American English
- She called out his neanderthal behavior at the company picnic.
- The policy was criticized as a neanderthal relic from a bygone era.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists found neanderthal bones in a cave.
- My brother eats like a neanderthal!
- Neanderthals lived in Europe long ago.
- He has some very neanderthal ideas about women.
- Recent DNA analysis shows many modern humans have some neanderthal ancestry.
- His neanderthal attitude towards paternity leave shocked his colleagues.
- The interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals is a key area of genomic research.
- The article lambasted the government's neanderthal stance on climate change as a retreat to the Stone Age.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'NEANDER' who is 'TALL' and strong but old-fashioned. Or link to the Neander Valley in Germany where the first fossils were found.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRIMITIVE/OUTDATED IS NEANDERTHAL (e.g., 'He has the relationship skills of a Neanderthal').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'неандерталец' (direct cognate). The figurative, pejorative use is identical in Russian, but be aware of its offensiveness in both languages. The scientific term is the same.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'Neandertal' (the modern German spelling, also sometimes used scientifically) vs. 'Neanderthal'. Mispronunciation: /niːˈændərθɔːl/ (over-emphasizing the 'th'). Using the term scientifically to imply stupidity (Neanderthals had complex tools and culture).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'neanderthal' most likely to be considered offensive?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used figuratively. It is a pejorative insult implying someone is stupid, crude, and out-of-date. It also inaccurately stereotypes Neanderthals as solely primitive.
'Neanderthal' is the traditional English spelling (from the old German name of the Neander Valley, 'Neanderthal'). 'Neandertal' reflects modern German spelling reform ('Tal' means valley). Both are accepted in scientific literature, though 'Neanderthal' remains more common in general English.
Yes, fossil and genetic evidence shows they coexisted in Eurasia for thousands of years and interbred, which is why many people today carry small amounts of Neanderthal DNA.
It is problematic because it misrepresents Neanderthals based on outdated science. They had complex culture, made tools and art, and cared for their sick. Using their name as an insult perpetuates a false stereotype and can be seen as disrespectful in scientific and educational contexts.