Can you describe someone as a no-brainer? [on hold]
I understand the meaning, and to be sure I searched its definition: something that requires or involves little or no mental effort. This noun literally can have another meaning logically to describe a person, it makes sense to me. My question is, is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who don't use their brain to think at all?
usage
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
put on hold as off-topic by Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist♦ Dec 17 at 16:28
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Please include the research you’ve done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic." – Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |
I understand the meaning, and to be sure I searched its definition: something that requires or involves little or no mental effort. This noun literally can have another meaning logically to describe a person, it makes sense to me. My question is, is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who don't use their brain to think at all?
usage
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
put on hold as off-topic by Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist♦ Dec 17 at 16:28
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Please include the research you’ve done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic." – Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
5
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
2
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
2
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
1
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago
add a comment |
I understand the meaning, and to be sure I searched its definition: something that requires or involves little or no mental effort. This noun literally can have another meaning logically to describe a person, it makes sense to me. My question is, is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who don't use their brain to think at all?
usage
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
I understand the meaning, and to be sure I searched its definition: something that requires or involves little or no mental effort. This noun literally can have another meaning logically to describe a person, it makes sense to me. My question is, is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who don't use their brain to think at all?
usage
usage
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
edited Dec 17 at 19:14
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
asked Dec 17 at 4:19
drerD
1307
1307
put on hold as off-topic by Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist♦ Dec 17 at 16:28
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Please include the research you’ve done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic." – Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
put on hold as off-topic by Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist♦ Dec 17 at 16:28
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Please include the research you’ve done, or consider if your question suits our English Language Learners site better. Questions that can be answered using commonly-available references are off-topic." – Jim, Janus Bahs Jacquet, AndyT, Hellion, tchrist
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
5
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
2
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
2
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
1
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago
add a comment |
5
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
2
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
2
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
1
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago
5
5
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
2
2
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
2
2
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
1
1
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
add a comment |
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
add a comment |
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net':
'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'.
'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'.
etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer
: a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
add a comment |
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
add a comment |
Is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who
doesn't use their brain to think at all?
Exactly as others have said. The expression does not refer to a person. To further illustrate here are a couple of examples of the correct usage.
"Should I go to the cinema with my friends or with Julia?"
"That's a no-brainer. Definitely go with Julia - she's gorgeous."
"What is 2+2?"
"That's a no-brainer. I don't even have to think about it. The answer is 4."
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
add a comment |
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
add a comment |
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
edited Dec 17 at 15:24
Mitch
50.1k15101211
50.1k15101211
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
answered Dec 17 at 15:07
scohe001
2,1121119
2,1121119
add a comment |
add a comment |
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
add a comment |
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
add a comment |
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
answered Dec 17 at 4:49
Paul
2994
2994
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Paul is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
add a comment |
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
3
3
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
Although it's possible (but admittedly rare) that you might use metonymy to refer to a decision involving a person as that person. E.g.: "We should try to predict which of these students are likely to pass this class." "Well, Sally's a no-brainer." This would mean that Sally is either so bad or so good at the subject that it's obvious ahead of time whether or not she's likely to pass. Trying to guess whether she'll pass or not is very easy, i.e. a no-brainer.
– Admiral Jota
Dec 17 at 16:15
add a comment |
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net':
'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'.
'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'.
etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer
: a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
add a comment |
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net':
'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'.
'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'.
etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer
: a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
add a comment |
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net':
'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'.
'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'.
etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer
: a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net':
'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'.
'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'.
etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
no-brainer
: something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer
: a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
edited Dec 17 at 9:16
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
answered Dec 17 at 7:28
user307254
2,107211
2,107211
add a comment |
add a comment |
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
add a comment |
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
add a comment |
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
answered Dec 17 at 8:42
Peter
15817
15817
add a comment |
add a comment |
Is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who
doesn't use their brain to think at all?
Exactly as others have said. The expression does not refer to a person. To further illustrate here are a couple of examples of the correct usage.
"Should I go to the cinema with my friends or with Julia?"
"That's a no-brainer. Definitely go with Julia - she's gorgeous."
"What is 2+2?"
"That's a no-brainer. I don't even have to think about it. The answer is 4."
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
Is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who
doesn't use their brain to think at all?
Exactly as others have said. The expression does not refer to a person. To further illustrate here are a couple of examples of the correct usage.
"Should I go to the cinema with my friends or with Julia?"
"That's a no-brainer. Definitely go with Julia - she's gorgeous."
"What is 2+2?"
"That's a no-brainer. I don't even have to think about it. The answer is 4."
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
add a comment |
Is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who
doesn't use their brain to think at all?
Exactly as others have said. The expression does not refer to a person. To further illustrate here are a couple of examples of the correct usage.
"Should I go to the cinema with my friends or with Julia?"
"That's a no-brainer. Definitely go with Julia - she's gorgeous."
"What is 2+2?"
"That's a no-brainer. I don't even have to think about it. The answer is 4."
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
Is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who
doesn't use their brain to think at all?
Exactly as others have said. The expression does not refer to a person. To further illustrate here are a couple of examples of the correct usage.
"Should I go to the cinema with my friends or with Julia?"
"That's a no-brainer. Definitely go with Julia - she's gorgeous."
"What is 2+2?"
"That's a no-brainer. I don't even have to think about it. The answer is 4."
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
answered Dec 17 at 9:30
chasly from UK
22.7k13068
22.7k13068
add a comment |
add a comment |
5
An appropriate term for what you are wanting to describe might be 'empty-headed'
– DaveMongoose
Dec 17 at 12:04
2
This isn't the question you asked, which has been ably answered multiple times below, but some terms which you could use for a person who is not using the brain are halfwit, dimwit, ignoramus, dunce, dunderhead, numskull, shit-for-brains, ... (I can't believe how easily that list came to me).
– cobaltduck
Dec 17 at 12:15
2
If I heard you say that "Person X is a no-brainer" I would first think that you had to select a person to fill a position and Person X was far and away the best person for that role
– Stephen S
Dec 17 at 15:26
1
@DaveMongoose aren't you amazed at English language that empty-headed and no-brainer literally mean the same thing but you use them so differently.
– drerD
Dec 17 at 19:16
@drerD I think you have similar cases in other languages as well, but English certainly has a lot of them!
– DaveMongoose
2 days ago