1980s, student slang, "objectionable person," from butt (n.1) + head; perhaps influenced by butterhead, 1960s black slang for one who is a disgrace to the community. Earlier, butthead meant simply "the butt end, bottom" of anything (1630s).
n. a stupid or obnoxious person of either sex. (Also a term of address. Rude and derogatory.) : Don't be such a butthead!
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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