Doing Poorly in School And Related Idioms

A student who gets bad or poor grades (usually Ds and Fs) is doing poorly in school. Today, this student might be called a low achiever rather than a more demeaning term like those that follow. People sometimes use these names to criticize themselves or to tease or humiliate another.

bonehead * I was a real bonehead on that last test. I couldn't remember the

material.

dunce * The poster said, "Don't be a dunce. Study hard and stay in school!"

numbskull » What a numbskull! How could you miss those easy questions?!