knuckle dragger

English

A male gorilla, with knuckles on the ground

Etymology

An allusion to the practice of less-evolved larger primates of walking upright with their knuckles close to the ground.

Noun

knuckle dragger (plural knuckle draggers)

1. (idiomatic, often derogatory) A large, strong, and rather dimwitted person.
   • 2008, Pat Hickey, "Prepare the Pulitzer," Chicago Daily Observer, 21 Dec. (retrieved 5 Jan. 2009):

     Mickey was wide receiver on the St. Rita Football Team in 2007—a big strapping, robust south side knuckle dragger and chick magnet.

Synonyms

• Neanderthal