cretin

[ kreet-nor, especially British, kret-n ]

noun

1. (no longer in technical use) a person with cretinism.
2. Informal. a very stupid or contemptible person.

cretin

/ ˈkrɛtɪn /

noun

1. old-fashioned.
   a person afflicted with cretinism
2. offensive.
   a person considered to be extremely stupid

Derived Forms

• ˈcretinˌoid, adjective
• ˈcretinous, adjective

Other Words From

• cre·ti·noid adjective
• cre·tin·ous adjective
• sem·i·cre·tin noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cretin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cretin¹

C18: from French crétin, from Swiss French crestin, from Latin Chrīstiānus Christian , alluding to the humanity of such people, despite their handicaps

Example Sentences

"Why do you sacrifice your dignity for this cretin?"

From Salon

But Mr. Musk dismissed the Virgin Islands’ claim as “idiotic on so many levels,” tweeting that he never sought out that “cretin,” Mr. Epstein, for financial advice.

From New York Times

But we know him to be a cretin either way.

From Washington Post

The panel also upheld claims he called one pupil names including "cretin".

From BBC

Last week, López Obrador dedicated a good part of his daily morning press conferences to dismissing the promoters of the demonstration, calling them “cretins” and “corrupt,” aiming to trick the people.

From Seattle Times