dunce hat
Fool's pointed cap
A dunce hat is a tall, cone-shaped paper cap, once placed on the head of a slow learner as classroom punishment.
The practice has largely disappeared, but the image persists as a symbol of stupidity or public shaming: He might as well wear a dunce hat after that answer.
Also called a dunce cap.
Indoor teaching space
- cornerMeeting point of edges
- stoolBackless sitting furniture
- blackboardSurface for chalk writing
- chalkSoft sedimentary writing stone
teacher · pupil · lesson · spelling · arithmetic · recitation · old-fashioned · Victorian
Unwise, gullible person
- ignoranceAbsence of knowledge
- stupidityLack of intelligence
- slowLacking in speed
- simpletonUnintelligent person
dullard · blockhead · dimwit · nincompoop · dolt · incompetence · labeling · stigma
Painful awareness of failure
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- public shamingCommunal reputational punishment
- detentionTemporary official holding
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
correction · penalty · scold · reprimand · ridicule · mockery · embarrassment · chastisement
schoolroom
Indoor teaching space
- cornerMeeting point of edges
- stoolBackless sitting furniture
- blackboardSurface for chalk writing
chalk · teacher · pupil · lesson · spelling · arithmetic · recitation · old-fashioned · Victorian · one-room schoolhouse
fool
Unwise, gullible person
simpleton · dullard · blockhead · dimwit · nincompoop · dolt · incompetence · labeling · stigma · mockery
shame
Painful awareness of failure
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- public shamingCommunal reputational punishment
- detentionTemporary official holding
discipline · correction · penalty · scold · reprimand · ridicule · mockery · embarrassment · chastisement · reform
cone
Tapered solid, circular base
- pointedTapering to a tip
- paper coneRolled sheet forming point
- peakedReached the summit
tapered · apex · vertex · triangle · folded paper · headwear · cap · hood
dunce hatgraduation cap
Ceremonial academic headpiece
mortarboard · diploma · gold star · merit badge · cap and gown
dunce hatlaurel wreath
Woven leaves honoring champions
crown · victor's crown · halo · tiara · garland