In Philip K. Dick's "The Man in the High Castle," the term "Eierkopf" or "egghead" refers to people perceived as intellectuals or elitists with little practical experience. The metaphor of a big, empty head suggests fragility and vulnerability, particularly in conflict situations like street brawls. This implies that those who are overly intellectual may lack the toughness needed to survive in a harsher, more physical reality.
The portrayal of "eggheads" highlights a broader critique of societal structures, where reliance on intellect without a grounding in reality can lead to downfall. The fragile nature of such individuals underscores a tension between intellect and the brutal, practical demands of life, reflecting themes of survival and adaptability in the book's alternate history setting.