"Pea-brained" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is perceived to be unintelligent or foolish. However, there are more appropriate and less offensive synonyms to use in its place, such as "scatterbrained", which describes someone who is forgetful or disorganized. "Foolish" and "simple-minded" can also be used to describe an individual who is lacking intelligence, but without the harsh connotations that "pea-brained" carries. Another synonym is "dense", which refers to someone who is slow to grasp concepts. Using alternative words that are less insulting and more accurate not only represents better communication, but can also avoid offending others.