underestimated her", which deals with "the idea that people might think [Lavigne]'s not as smart as she is based on the way she looks". Minaj's verse features references to her 2014 album The Pinkprint and single "No Frauds". About the song's concept and idea, Lavigne told Entertainment Weekly: "It's something I actually went through where I had an experience with someone calling me a dumb blonde. I was like, 'Ooh that's a good concept and title.' It started as a misogynist intimidated by my independence. I just thought that was really unfair." In an Instagram post, she continues: "I brought it to Bonnie McKee and Mitch Allan, who helped me bring it to life. [...] I was belittled and made to feel bad for who I was: A leader, someone with a vision and opinions, someone who has strength, desire, passion and goals. [...] Fuck stereotypes. [...] Yes, women should build each other up, but so should men and women." Critical reception "Dumb Blonde" was praised by critics. Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone complimented the song's "empowerment" theme and described it as "the power pop kiss-off" track. Nick Levine from NME, while reviewing Head Above Water, called the song "a sassy clap-back to a man who underestimated her." Allison Bowsher from Much considered that the song is "the rock pop sensibilities of the early ’90s, with an infectious drum line backing and call and answer chorus that is begging to be blasted from every radio station." She also praised Lavigne's decision to collaborate with Minaj and said that "Minaj is the perfect collaborator for the new single, bringing her own style of bravado and badassness (we’re making it a word) that could make “Dumb Blonde” a huge hit for both artists." Ian Gavan, in his review for Nylon, wrote that "Dumb Blonde" was "a new feminist pep rally anthem". He praised commercial and public appeal of the song, as well as Minaj's rap section: "Just because she's cute and sweet, doesn't mean she incompetent". Lucas Villa of AXS also complimented Minaj's performance and characterized her verse as "explosive". Alex Darus of Alternative Press praised the overall composition and saw that "Minaj's feature feels like a perfect fit". Madelin Roth of MTV proclaimed Lavigne and Minaj "the hottest power pop duo today". Katherine Gillespie of Paper praised "Dumb Blonde" and added that "it somehow manages to combine every genre Lavigne has