What does neanderthal mean?
Neanderthal refers both to a member of an extinct population of archaic humans and to things associated with that population. Neanderthals lived across Europe and western Asia for hundreds of thousands of years before disappearing roughly 40,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence shows that they made sophisticated tools, controlled fire, adapted to cold environments, cared for injured people, and practiced deliberate burial. Genetic research also indicates that many people with ancestry from Africa and Eurasia carry a small proportion of Neanderthal DNA. In everyday speech, however, the word is more often used figuratively to describe an idea, practice, or institution that appears obsolete, primitive, or resistant to change. That informal sense can be dismissive and is often politically charged, so it should be used with care. The word comes from the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first recognized Neanderthal remains were found in the nineteenth century.
A member of an extinct population of archaic humans that lived in Europe and western Asia from roughly 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
"Neanderthals adapted to a range of Ice Age environments across Europe."
The plural is Neanderthals. Taxonomic usage varies, with scholars referring to the population as Homo neanderthalensis or as an archaic population of Homo sapiens.
Relating to or characteristic of Neanderthals; informally, primitive, outdated, or resistant to progress.
"The site contains unusually well-preserved Neanderthal tools."
The figurative use is informal and can express contempt for something regarded as backward or unsophisticated.
The regular plural is Neanderthals. In modern style, the term is often lowercased when referring collectively to the ancient population.
"Neanderthals manufactured tools through several distinct technological traditions."
Although often portrayed as primitive cave dwellers, Neanderthals made tools, used fire, buried their dead, and passed part of their genetic legacy to many people alive today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does neanderthal come from?
Neanderthal derives from the Neander Valley in Germany, where remains were discovered in 1856. The valley itself was named in honour of Johann Carl Neumann, whose surname was Latinized as Neander. The adjective and noun for the ancient human population developed from that geographic name.
How neanderthal is actually used
The historical noun and adjective are normally lowercased in modern English, although capitalizing Neanderthal remains common when referring to the people, especially in names such as Neanderthal Valley. The informal figurative use can sound harsh or insulting, while the adjective sense relating to an obsolete or primitive way of thinking is more common in political and cultural commentary.
Easily confused with neanderthal
Neandertal is an accepted alternative spelling of Neanderthal, especially in German and in some scientific contexts.