neanderthal

Everyday

1. A Neanderthal was a kind of early human who lived in Europe and western Asia from about 400,000 to about 40,000 years ago and then died out. tree →
2. (informal, rude) Calling someone a neanderthal means they are rough, rude or old-fashioned in their ideas. tree →

In the lessons

In history and science lessons about the Stone Age, Neanderthals made stone tools, used fire, wore clothes, buried their dead and maybe made art; many people today carry a little Neanderthal DNA. The old idea that they were stupid brutes is a myth. In stories and insults, «neanderthal» unfairly means boorish. Common phrases: «Neanderthal man», «Neanderthal tools», «Neanderthal DNA».

Examples

• Neanderthals lived during the Ice Age. tree →
• Neanderthals made sharp stone tools. tree →
• Scientists found Neanderthal bones in a cave in Germany. tree →
• Some of our DNA comes from Neanderthals. tree →
• Neanderthals had big, strong bodies for the cold. tree →
• «Don't be such a neanderthal!» she said when he burped at the table. tree →
• Neanderthals and modern humans lived at the same time for thousands of years. tree →

Note

Usually written with a capital N for the early humans. Say nee-AN-der-tahl (also -thal). Named after the Neander Valley in Germany, where bones were found. Myth: Neanderthals were not simple cavemen who grunted — they were clever and skilled.