dumbbell

dumbbell
dumbbell "weighted bar used for exercise," 1711, originally an apparatus like that used to ring a church bell, but without the bell; used for exercise but sometimes also to practice ringing changes. Figurative sense of "blockhead, stupid person" attested by 1918, Amer.Eng. college slang.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • dumbbell — dumb bell , dumb bell dumb bell , n. An exercising weight, consisting of two spheres or spheroids, connected by a short bar for a handle; used (often in pairs) for gymnastic exercise. [1913 Webster] 2. an ignorant or foolish person. Syn: dummy,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dumbbell — [n] stupid person dodo*, dolt, dullard, dumbo*, dumdum*, dummy, dunce, idiot, ignoramus, moron, simpleton; concepts 412,423 Ant. brain, genius …   New thesaurus

  • dumbbell — [dum′bel΄] n. [ DUMB + BELL1: from orig. shape] 1. a device usually used in pairs, consisting of round weights joined by a short bar, by which it is lifted or swung about in the hand for muscular exercise ☆ 2. [cf. DUMB, sense 7] Slang a stupid… …   English World dictionary

  • Dumbbell — For other uses, see Dumbbell (disambiguation). A pair of adjustable dumbbells with 2 kg plates. The dumbbell, a type of free weight, is a piece of equipment used in weight training. It can be used individually or in pairs (one for each hand).… …   Wikipedia

  • Dumbbell — Nébuleuse de l Haltère Pour les articles homonymes, voir M27. Nébuleuse de l Haltère …   Wikipédia en Français

  • dumbbell — UK [ˈdʌmˌbel] / US noun [countable] Word forms dumbbell : singular dumbbell plural dumbbells 1) a short metal bar with a weight at both ends that people lift in order to develop their muscles 2) American informal a stupid person …   English dictionary

  • dumbbell — n. a stupid oaf. (Also a rude term of address.) □ Look, dumbbell, pay attention! □ I’m afraid I come on like a dumbbell sometimes …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • Dumbbell — An investment strategy, used mainly for bonds, where holdings are heavily concentrated in both very short and long term maturities. This is also known as a barbell, charting on a timeline gives the appearance of a barbell or dumbbell …   Investment dictionary

  • dumbbell — one who does not think, an airhead, knucklehead    What a dumbbell I am! I locked the keys in the car …   English idioms

  • Dumbbell Indemnity — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Dumbbell Indemnity Episodio de Los Simpson Episodio n.º Temporada 9 Episodio 194 Código de producción 5F12 Guionista(s) Ron Hauge Director Dominic Polcino …   Wikipedia Español

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