Lacking intelligence or the ability to think; foolish or stupid.
From 'brain' + '-less' suffix (meaning without). A straightforward English compound that has been used since at least the 16th century to describe someone lacking sense.
The Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz' famously claimed to be brainless, yet he solved problems perfectly well—a clever commentary on how we often confuse formal education with actual intelligence and wisdom.
Applied historically to women denied education (especially pre-20th century) as pseudoscientific justification for exclusion from intellectual roles. Weaponized as dismissal of women's thinking.
Acceptable for critique of ideas, but avoid attributing to people/groups. Use 'unthinking' or 'poorly reasoned' for behavior.
["unthinking","poorly reasoned","unconsidered"]
Women were systematically barred from education then called incapable; reclaim intellectual authority as earned right.
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