ทึ่ม
dull
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 dull、slow-witted、thick-headed、stupid
This word describes someone as slow to understand, dull, or thick-headed. It is a negative, informal word and can sound insulting when used about a person.
dull、slow-witted、thick-headed、stupid
An informal adjective used to call someone dull, slow-witted, or lacking quick understanding. It can be playful among close friends, but it is usually insulting.
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คนทึ่ม khon thʉ̂m a dull person คนทึ่ม details
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อย่าทำตัวทึ่ม yàa tham tua thʉ̂m Don't act stupid. อย่าทำตัวทึ่ม details
Learning notes
Explanation
ทึ่ม describes a person as slow to understand, dull, or lacking social quickness. It is not a neutral or clinical description of intelligence; it reflects the speaker's negative judgment. Common patterns include คนทึ่ม “a dull person,” ดูทึ่มๆ “look kind of slow,” and ทำตัวทึ่ม “act stupid.” The reduplicated form ทึ่มๆ can soften the tone slightly, but it can still offend.
Usage
You may hear it in teasing among close friends, in dialogue describing someone as slow or clueless, or when someone is irritated by another person's lack of understanding. It is not appropriate to say directly to teachers, bosses, strangers, or people you need to treat respectfully.
Caution
ทึ่ม is basically an insult. Learners should use it only with great care, such as in self-deprecation or very close joking. Do not confuse it with ทึม, which means dim or gloomy in color/light.
Differences from similar words
1 dull synonyms
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ทื่อ can mean blunt or dull, both physically and mentally. ทึ่ม is more specifically an informal, derogatory word for a person who seems slow-witted.
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เซ่อ suggests being naive, clueless, or socially unaware, and can be milder. ทึ่ม sounds more judgmental, implying dullness or slow thinking.
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โง่ is a more direct and harsh word for being stupid or unintelligent. ทึ่ม focuses more on seeming slow to catch on or unable to read the situation.