He's such a tool!

[3alarmchili]

Some people will find this offensive.

I have often heard people say "He is such a tool". I understand that this is a reference to male genitals, right? But is it meant to mean he is ridiculous or obnoxious or obnoxious in a silly way or something else? Because I know that prick means someone is obnoxious and nasty and maybe aggressive. Is "tool" a gentler word?

 

[MJRupeJM]

I'm not sure of the origin of "tool" as a derogatory term, and it may well originally have been a reference to genitals. In common use, at least in AE though, I think that meaning has been lost. For example, "tool" is not a synonym for "dick," or "prick," which certainly are references to genitals. "Tool" has various uses but the best definition is probably "fool,"; an unintelligent person who cannot think for themselves; a poser.

EDIT: On second thought, I think the derogatory "tool," must have come from the common meaning of "tool" (i.e. an instrument). A "tool" let's other people use them; they can't think for themselves.

 

[Cypherpunk]

The most common use is to describe someone (usually a guy) who is too stupid to know he's being used (he is literally a tool for someone else). Probably the second most common use is for someone who's just an idiot or screw-up. There are other interpretations, and you can check out some of them here.

 

[cuchuflete]

He's such a tool! This is not, in today's colloquial AE, a direct equivalent to "He's such a prick/dick/etc." Once upon a time tool was, among other things, a slang word for penis. Those too young to remember it in that usage are invited to find the E.E. Cummings poem about politicians. I think it begins something like...

"the way to hump a cow is not to get yourself a stool
but draw a line around the spot and call it beautifool"

Somewhat later it uses tool in the older sense:


"the way to hump a cow is not to elevate your tool"

As used today, the word is similar to dickhead, jerk, asshat, moron, and the usual
variety of such terms of endearment.

 

[xqby]

Those too young to remember it in that usage...

I'm actually familiar with tool meaning penis.
I think that this is because of the band Tool's memorable (perhaps it merits a ) illustration of the term.

Nonetheless, I agree with the general consensus that it means something more like "cretin" in "He's such a tool."

 

[3alarmchili]

Thank you. I was going to compare it to dickhead, too. That is definitely a penis reference, which is why I thought that "tool" is, too.

So tool and dickhead are more like cretin and idiot and less like dick and prick?

I am so, so sorry for this topic. It's my stupid curiosity.

 

[MJRupeJM]

Unfortunately, none of the above have precise dictionary definitions, and they are used in a variety of ways with a variety of meanings. In general however, a "dick" or "prick" is a rude, cruel, obnoxious person; an asshole. "Tool," is generally a stupid, annoying, unsophisticated person; an idiot or a cretin. "Dickhead," could probably mean either a "tool" or a "dick."