cretin

American  

[kreet-in, kret-in] / ˈkrit ɪn, ˈkrɛt ɪn /

noun

1. (no longer in technical use) a person with cretinism.

2. Informal. a very stupid or contemptible person.

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cretin British  

/ ˈkrɛtɪn /

noun

1. old-fashioned a person afflicted with cretinism

2. offensive a person considered to be extremely stupid

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Other Word Forms

• cretinoid adjective
• cretinous adjective
• semicretin noun

Etymology

Origin of cretin

First recorded in 1770–80; from French crétin, originally from French Alpine dialect creitin, crestin “deformed and mentally defective dwarf” (owing to iodine deficiency in Alpine regions); further origin uncertain; perhaps from Vulgar Latin Christiānus “a Christian, human being, unfortunate person,” from Latin Christiānus Christian

Explanation

The English language has no shortage of cruel names for people, and one of them is cretin, which is what you’d call someone who is very, very dumb in the head. Back before cretin meant “a stupid person,” it was a medical term for a physical deformity that came from a specific disease. Surprisingly, the root of cretin is the Swiss French word crestin, which means “Christian.” It seems that people back then wanted to remind themselves that even though cretins look unusual, they’re still humans who deserve kindness. Knowing this makes it hard to use cretin in a mean way, but there are plenty more rude words you could use.

Example Sentences

Mr. McNally originally tore into Mr. Corden, calling the comedian a “tiny cretin of a man” for two separate incidents where he was cantankerous with the wait staff.

From Washington Times • Oct. 18, 2022

It has that in common with Hulu's "The Dropout," although Amanda Seyfried initially introduces Holmes as a visionary, not a cretin.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2022

Jon Gruden is sports’ latest cretin in our midst.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2021

I have never called Tarantino a cretin and certainly do not consider his films garbage.

From Slate • Nov. 11, 2018

They won’t buy a television, like everyone else, because my father says it turns you into a cretin and emits harmful radiation and subliminal messages as well.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood