Can you describe someone as a no-brainer? [closed]
I understand the meaning, and to be sure I searched its definition: something that requires or involves little or no mental effort. This noun literally can have another meaning logically to describe a person, it makes sense to me. My question is, is it the right usage to use no-brainer to describe someone who don't use their brain to think at all?
Yes.
The OED describes "no-brainer" as the other answers say:
- Something that requires or involves little mental effort or intelligence to perform or understand; esp. an easily made decision
But it also includes the definition you mention:
- A foolish or unintelligent person or action.
They quote the sentence: "If a no-brainer wants to talk on the radio—even if the message makes no sense whatsoever—he or she can do it."
But...
It's worth noting that as a native English speaker, I wasn't familiar with this definition (and neither it seems, were the other answerers), so while it does exist, I would advise against using it unless you hear it often in your region.
No. A "no-brainer" is a decision that is so obvious, you don't need to use your brain to decide. However, it's never applied to people, but rather to the decision itself.
You could, and in context people will understand the intended meaning, but at the same time people will be aware that you are using the term wrong. A "no-brainer" already has a different definition: it refers to a problem, a task, or a decision.
You can use your meaning in the context of sarcasm, jokes, or if you're intentionally trying to show unfamiliarity with the language.
'NO' is the answer from numerous examples in the site 'Context. Reverso. Net': 'Cremation versus burial is such a NO-BRAINER when l think about it'. 'Well... the tires are a NO-BRAINER'. etc.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary: no-brainer : something that requires a minimum of thought.
According to English Language Learners Dictionary: no-brainer : a decision or choice that is very easy to make and requires very little thought.