Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s sticking with “knucklehead” to describe New Jerseyans who don’t follow social distancing orders.
Senate Minority Whip Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville) criticized his use of the term over the weekend.
“I looked it up for myself and the definition is a stupid, bumbling, inept person, which I think is quite consistent with some of the behavior,” the governor said.
At his daily press briefing on Monday, Murphy said he found two alternatives: “blockhead or numb skull.”
“I like knucklehead because we started there. It’s got three syllables. It’s got a little bit more oomph,” he said.
And to Pennacchio, who said variable-message signs on state highways saying, “Don’t be a Knucklehead” was disrespectful, Murphy had an answer ready.
“That’s the point,” the governor said.