Is "knucklehead" a loving term? I have seen a comment on web which read "I love when he calls him "knucklehead" ". I thought it means a "stupid person"

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Answers

Hime_Okami

24 January

English (US)

It can be used for multiple things. It is mostly used as a joke more than an insult. I haven't heard anyone use that term in a long time, so it's not common to say nowadays. However, friends and siblings will say that to each other in a more joking manner. Just depends on how exactly you want to use the word. I hope that makes sense. ^.^'

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Babbaaabaa

24 January

Swedish

Okay, thanks. :) That was said in the movie Big hero 6 and I saw some picture where the other named Tadashi called his younger brother "knucklehead" and the writer/painter said he/she loves when Tadashi calls his younger brother knucklehead. Also, in the same movie, there where scene where this older brother said to his younger brother, Hiro, :"What were you thinking, knucklehead!?" So I'm asking, do you think it was offensive when said in a little bit anger tone or is this word most likely mild and only a joke? This was said when the younger one did some dangerous and illegal stuff. The older brother also said: "I hope you learned your lesson, bonehead" and I'm thinking also, whether it was offensive or not, when the older one hoped his younger brother learned from his mistakes. So, is "bonehead" also mild and only meant as a joke or could it be offensive? Of course, if you have seen the movie, you could verify was those "knucklehead" and "bonehead" offensive or not. :) Also, I really, really love that older brother Tadashi but I don't want him to insult his little brother but instead to be a kind and gentle brother. And a bonus question if you have seen the movie: Do you think Tadashi is a kind and gentle brother even though he said those words to Hiro? Thank you. :)

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Hime_Okami

26 January

English (US)

@Babbaaabaa I've seen Big Hero 6 and it's a WONDERFUL movie!

So, to answer your questions: With Tadashi saying, "What were you thinking, knucklehead/bonehead?!" in a more angry tone, that's the same as saying, "What were you thinking, idiot?!"

If you and your sibling/friend were to be playing a game of tag. Let's say they ran into a tree while you were chasing them. That person is okay and you're both laughing. You would then say something like, "Good job running into that tree you knucklehead!" It's more mildly joking.

So, if those words are said in a mild, joking tone, it's only a joke. However, if it is said in an angry tone, like I said earlier, it's the same as saying, "What were you thinking, idiot/moron?!" So, it depends on how it is said.

I think Tadashi cares a lot about his little brother, Hiro. He's looking out for them since their parents aren't around. You can still get angry at your siblings and say mean things to them, but still greatly care about them. My brother and I do that quite often where we say mean things to each other when we've done something wrong or stupid, but it's because we care about each other and are looking after one another.

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Babbaaabaa

27 January

Swedish

Okay, thank you for an answer. :) Actually, I already got an answer that those both sentences: "What were you thinking, knucklehead?" and "I hope you learned your lesson, bonehead" were just playful teasing and not offensive at all, which I'm very glad. :) Do you think also and do you agree, that they were just playful teasing? To me, Tadashi doesn't seem like a guy who says his dear little brother idiot or moron. It's too harsh and that, to me, definetly doesn't fit to come from Tadashi. Bonus question: do you think Tadashi is a kind brother even though he said those "knucklehead" and "bonehead" terms? To me, Tadashi is a kind and gentle person and brother :)

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Hime_Okami

2 February

English (US)

@Babbaaabaa Yes, to me he was teasing and he is a loving brother.

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Babbaaabaa

2 February

Swedish

Thank you, nice to hear. :) I just thought when you said that: "With Tadashi saying, "What were you thinking, knucklehead/bonehead?!" in a more angry tone, that's the same as saying, "What were you thinking, idiot?!"

but now when you said that it was only playful teasing, I believe that. :) And I also got verify elswhere. And maybe that "knucklehead" wasn't said in a little bit anger, maybe I just thought because Tadashi was scolding Hiro from bot fighting. But bonehead wasn't definetly said in an anger tone instead friendly tone. :)

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