Neanderthal

/niˈændərtɑːl/ noun

Definition

An extinct human species that lived in Europe during the Ice Age (around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago), or used to describe someone considered primitive or unsophisticated.

Etymology

Named after the Neander Valley in Germany where the first skeleton was discovered in 1856; combines the valley name with 'thal' (German for 'valley').

Kelly Says

Despite their reputation, Neanderthals were actually quite intelligent—they made tools, used fire, cared for their sick, and had larger brains than modern humans, so calling someone 'neanderthal' is based more on stereotype than science.

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