cave dweller

The term "cave dweller" originally referred to prehistoric humans but has since evolved to include metaphorical and sometimes derogatory meanings.

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Definition

B2Prehistory

(historical)A person who lived in caves during prehistoric times.

Example

  • Archaeologists discovered tools used by cave dwellers thousands of years ago.

C1Modern Usage

(informal, figurative)A person who is perceived as being uncivilized or out of touch with modern society.

Example

  • He’s such a cave dweller; he doesn’t even own a smartphone.

B2Humor

(facetious)Someone who lives in a city apartment, humorously compared to ancient cave inhabitants.

Example

  • In New York, many people joke about being cave dwellers in their tiny apartments.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cave dweller":

cave paintingcave out