Deep Investigation Launched: What Exactly Is a Numbnut? Shire Locals Locked in Heated Debate Over Definition.

Blake Curran | Investigative Journalism | Sutherland Shire Gazette

16 March 2025

The Sutherland Shire is no stranger to passionate community discourse - e-bikes, parking fines, and whether it's acceptable to wear thongs to a formal event. But now, the Shire’s sharpest minds have turned their attention to an even more pressing issue: What, exactly, is a numbnut?

The debate erupted after a reader comment on a Sutherland Shire Gazette article saw the term hurled back and forth like a stray footy at Greenhills. While most agreed it was an appropriate insult, things quickly spiralled when a Miranda local questioned whether “numbnut” implied a lifetime of cluelessness or simply a brief moment of brain fade.

Sensing the weight of the issue, the Gazette’s crack investigative team immediately launched a deep dive into the origins of the term.

"To me, a numbnut is someone who does something stupid repeatedly - like, year after year, they still can’t work out when bin night is," argued Caringbah resident Mark, whose claims to have used the word “in a professional capacity” since 1994.

Others, like mum-of-three Tracey, argued it’s more about isolated acts of idiocy. “My husband once microwaved a fork. That was a numbnut move. But I wouldn’t say he’s a full-time numbnut… not all the time, anyway.”

To add further complexity, a Cronulla surf crew weighed in, claiming that “numbnut” is, in fact, reserved exclusively for someone who forgets their wax and then tries to blame the swell.

The Gazette also consulted Dr. Warren Wordsmith, esteemed Loftus TAFE Adjunct Professor of Applied Slang, who explained: “The term ‘numbnut’ has a rich linguistic history, evolving from casual Aussie banter to a formal classification of questionable decision-making. Much like ‘drongo’ and ‘galah,’ its usage is highly contextual - though in most cases, if someone calls you one, you probably deserve it.”

The Gazette even sought the expertise of the Shire’s leading linguistic analyst - Bev from admin - who mused, “If you ask me, a numbnut is just a Shire way of calling someone a goose. But don’t quote me on that - I’ve seen friendships end over less.”

So, dear readers, what’s your take? Is a numbnut born or made? A temporary lapse or a permanent state of being? The debate rages on.

One thing we can confirm? If you're out there using your phone on speaker in a public place - you, sir, are a numbnut.