simpleton

American  

[sim-puhl-tuhn] / ˈsɪm pəl tən /

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. an ignorant, foolish, or silly person.

   Synonyms:

   dope, ninny, blockhead, numbskull, fool, dolt

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simpleton British  

/ ˈsɪmpəltən /

noun

1. a foolish or ignorant person

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Etymology

Origin of simpleton

First recorded in 1640–50; simple + -ton

Explanation

A simpleton is an idiot — a person without much common sense or intelligence. This is one of many words — such as moron, dummy, and dimwit — that insult a person's intelligence. A simpleton is the opposite of a genius. However, the word simple implies more than lack of intelligence; it suggests being innocent or naive too. So a simpleton could be considered a hillbilly or yokel as well as a dullard or dunce.

Example Sentences

He was a soldier simpleton who appeared in comic drawings about life in the army in the 1890s.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2024

Adam Hugill is similarly amusing as the defender Harry Maguire, who is portrayed as a lovable simpleton — not the sharpest tool in the box, but solid and dependable.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2023

And not in the simpleton type of way.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2023

Turning what could have been merely a simpleton into a lost soul, Keoghan’s work here is vivid and heartbreaking.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2022

“Listen,” he said slowly, as if explaining to a simpleton.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss