adj. — Newfoundland, rare
foolish or unintelligent.
Type: 2. Preservation — The term has precursors in Southwestern English stunpoll, which is defined in EDD as "stupid, doltish" (see EDD, s.v. "stunpoll" [2, adj.]). DNE states that the term's origins may also be found in the word stunt, which EDD defines as "unyielding, obstinate, stubborn; sulky; impassive; stupid." (see EDD, s.v. "stunt" [6]), though the evidence comes mostly from Northern England, which did not serve (in contrast to Southwest England) as an immigration region for Newfoundland. The spelling of the term has evolved, while the meaning remains similar.
See also COD-2, s.v. "stunned", which is marked "Cdn informal".