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

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

It has come to my attention that Playboy Germany has come out with an article in which I have called Tarantino a cretin and consider his films garbage.

From Slate • Nov. 11, 2018

Mr. Gonzalez, my “boss,” is rather a cretin, but is nonetheless quite pleasant.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole