idiotism

¹

[ id-ee-uh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. idiotic conduct or action.
2. idiocy.

idiotism

²

[ id-ee-uh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

, Obsolete.

1. an idiom.

idiotism

/ ˈɪdɪəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. an archaic word for idiocy
2. an obsolete word for idiom

Word History and Origins

Origin of idiotism¹

First recorded in 1585–95; idiot + -ism

Origin of idiotism²

1580–90; < Latin idiōtismus < Greek idiōtismós a vulgar phrase, peculiar way of speaking