neandertal

/niˈændərˌtɑl/
noun
  1. An extinct species of human that lived in Europe and Asia during the Ice Age.
    • Museums often display models of what a neandertal might have looked like.
    • Scientists discovered a neandertal skeleton in a cave in France.
    • The neandertal had a larger brain than modern humans.
  2. A person who is rude, uncivilized, or behaves in a brutish way.
    • The boss called him a neandertal for shouting at the customers.
    • He acted like a neandertal, pushing people aside to get on the bus first.
    • Don't be such a neandertal — use your fork instead of your hands.
Synonyms
adjective
  1. Relating to the extinct human species Neandertal.
    • Scientists study neandertal DNA to learn about human evolution.
    • The museum has a neandertal skull on display.
    • Neandertal tools were made of stone and bone.
  2. Uncivilized, brutish, or very old-fashioned in behavior or ideas.
    • She called his neandertal table manners embarrassing.
    • The company's neandertal policies on vacation time made employees angry.
    • His neandertal attitude toward women got him into trouble at work.
What does "neandertal" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean