I'm looking for a word or phrase that implies stupidity in the context of academics in the same way the term "straight-A student" implies intelligence.
Learn English – an antonym for the term “straight-A student?”
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Best Answer
Merriam-Webster has the definition...
The etymology, with focus on the specific term dunce cap as used in a schoolroom/academic context, is more fully covered by this Wikipedia article.
For a more "modern" term (often used facetiously), there's always academically challenged.