Nickolka means very popular poem for children written by Marshak: Жил человек рассеянный На улице Бассейной. Сел он утром на кровать, Стал рубашку надевать, В рукава просунул руки - Оказалось, это брюки. Вот какой рассеянный С улицы Бассейной! ... I think Nickolka is right. It's the first association with "рассеянный" :)

Thanks to Anna. This is exactly what I want to say: It's the first association with "рассеянный" :). Marshak rules)

It's not an insult. It's rather funny defenition. Sure, some people may say it with anger, but the word isn't snub.

No, it's rather a measure, which is to attract someone's attention

Hi! I guess "scatter-brain" would be another good term for "рассеяный". I'm thinking of it now and I can recall virtually no occasion I've heard it being used as an insult. As far as I remember it is mostly used in humorous way to say that something has slipped somebody's mind.