When a character does something wrong (especially in school) or to show they aren't the most intelligent chap around, they're shown wearing a large, white, coned shaped hat. "DUNCE" in large red letters, or a large "D", may be added for humiliation related purposes, or to exaggerate it. The character will likely be sitting on a stool in the corner, staring at the walls, as a punishment. A variant is the "donkey ears" cap, that was favored in France. Examples of Dunce Cap include: