Halfwit: meaning, definitions and examples

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halfwit

 

[ ˈhælfwɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insulting term

The term 'halfwit' is used to describe a person who is perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense. It implies a degree of foolishness or a lack of mental acuity. While it can be used jokingly among friends, it is often a derogatory term that can offend people. Generally, it is considered rude and dismissive, aimed at belittling someone's capabilities.

Synonyms

blockhead, dunce, fool, idiot, simpleton.

Examples of usage

  • He acted like a halfwit during the meeting.
  • Stop being such a halfwit and pay attention.
  • Calling him a halfwit hurt his feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "halfwit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estúpido

🇮🇳 अधेड़

🇩🇪 Halbidiot

🇮🇩 bodoh

🇺🇦 напівбовдур

🇵🇱 idiota

🇯🇵 半端者

🇫🇷 imbécile

🇪🇸 idiota

🇹🇷 salak

🇰🇷 반쪽 바보

🇸🇦 أحمق

🇨🇿 půlidiot

🇸🇰 polovičný idiot

🇨🇳 半智者

🇸🇮 polovični idiot

🇮🇸 hálfvitlaus

🇰🇿 жарты адам

🇬🇪 ნახევარბიჭი

🇦🇿 yarım ağıllı

🇲🇽 idiota

Etymology

The word 'halfwit' originated in the early 19th century as a compound of 'half' and 'wit'. The term 'wit' itself comes from the Old English word 'witan', meaning 'to know' or 'to have the ability to think and reason.' By adding 'half' to it, the term conveys the idea of someone possessing only a fraction of intelligence or reasoning ability. Its usage has predominantly been within British English, often employed in humorous contexts as well as derogatory ones. Over time, 'halfwit' has become a part of colloquial speech, emphasizing a lack of insight or acute perception, and is often used to challenge someone's competence in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner.