simpleton

[ sim-puhl-tuhn ]

noun

, Sometimes Offensive.

1. an ignorant, foolish, or silly person.

   Synonyms: dope, ninny, blockhead, numbskull, fool, dolt

simpleton

/ ˈsɪmpəltən /

noun

1. a foolish or ignorant person

Word History and Origins

Origin of simpleton¹

First recorded in 1640–50; simple + -ton

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

DeSantis is a smart guy trying to run as a simpleton.

From Seattle Times

But it's also the type of suggestion a grasping simpleton would make, someone who knows the letter of the law but doesn't respect what it's there to protect or prevent.

From Salon

Characters with disabilities are often cast as villains, superpowered by disability, victims, the butt of a joke or simpletons rather than fully realized humans.

From Salon

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