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Nincompoop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคช
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nincompoop

[หˆnษชล‹kษ™mpuหp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

silly person

A nincompoop is a silly or foolish person who lacks intelligence or common sense. It is often used in a playful or teasing manner.

Synonyms

fool, idiot, simpleton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nincompoop

This word is often used in a light-hearted or humorous way to describe someone who is acting silly or foolish. It is not as harsh as some other terms.

  • Donโ€™t mind him, heโ€™s such a nincompoop sometimes.
  • You nincompoop! Youโ€™ve put salt in the coffee instead of sugar.
fool

This term can be used in both a serious and a light-hearted context. It's more common and can describe someone acting unwisely or being easily tricked.

  • I felt like a fool after falling for his prank.
  • Stop acting like a fool and start thinking logically.
idiot

This word has a more negative connotation and is often used to express frustration or anger towards someone who is perceived to lack intelligence or make repeated mistakes.

  • Only an idiot would try to cross the street without looking both ways.
  • You're such an idiot for forgetting your own birthday.
simpleton

This term is used to describe someone who is perceived to be lacking in common sense or sophistication. It can be seen as condescending or patronizing.

  • Heโ€™s a bit of a simpleton, but he means well.
  • Donโ€™t be a simpleton; itโ€™s obvious what needs to be done.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a nincompoop, always forgetting things.
  • Don't be such a nincompoop and pay attention!
Context #2 | Noun

foolish behavior

Nincompoop can also refer to foolish or ridiculous behavior. It is used to describe actions or decisions that are deemed senseless or illogical.

Synonyms

absurdity, foolishness, nonsense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nincompoop

Used to describe someone who is silly or foolish, often in a friendly or humorous way.

  • Don't be such a nincompoop, it's just a game! He felt like a complete nincompoop after realizing his mistake
foolishness

Describes the quality of being silly or lacking good sense, and can apply to both actions and people.

  • His foolishness knows no bounds
  • The student's foolishness led to a lot of trouble during the trip
absurdity

Refers to something that is ridiculous or unreasonable, often highlighting a situation or idea rather than a person.

  • The absurdity of the proposal made everyone laugh
  • It's pure absurdity to think that we can finish the project in one day
nonsense

Used to indicate that something is absurd or meaningless, often to dismiss an idea, statement, or behavior.

  • What he said is pure nonsense, there's no way it could be true
  • Stop talking nonsense and listen to the facts

Examples of usage

  • The whole situation was a result of pure nincompoopery.
  • Stop with the nincompoop behavior and start acting responsibly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in various movies and TV shows to describe quirky characters who get into amusing situations.
  • Famous cartoon characters, like those in classic comedy, often embody the essence of a nincompoop, adding to their humor.

Psychology

  • The playful use of the term often helps to diffuse tension or negative feelings toward someone who may be acting foolishly.
  • Humor plays a big role in how we perceive intelligence; calling someone a nincompoop can sometimes be more affectionate than insulting.

Literature

  • The word appears in various literary works, often to depict humor and the absurdity of certain characters' actions.
  • In literature, calling someone a nincompoop can serve a comedic purpose, highlighting the folly of human nature.

Language Evolution

  • Nincompoop exemplifies how language shifts over time; it has transitioned from a formal term to a more colloquial, light-hearted insult.
  • The playful sound of the word makes it appealing in children's literature and storytelling, reinforcing its humorous connotation.

Origin of 'nincompoop'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the late 17th century, possibly derived from the Latin phrase 'non compos mentis,' which means 'not of sound mind.'
  • It has evolved over time and was used in English literature to suggest foolishness or a lack of common sense.

The term 'nincompoop' originated in the early 17th century and is believed to be a combination of the words 'non' and 'compos', which mean 'not capable' in Latin. Over the years, it has evolved to describe someone who is foolish or lacking in intelligence.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,263, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.