Moron
/'mɔ:rɔn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person of subnormal intelligence: A dated and offensive term for a person with significantly below-average intellectual ability or cognitive functioning.
- (Archaic/Technical) A person with mild intellectual disability: In outdated psychological classification, a person with a mental age between 8 and 12 years.
Usage
- Important Note: The term "moron" is now considered highly offensive, derogatory, and stigmatizing when used to describe a person's intelligence. Its use is unacceptable in formal, educational, or respectful contexts. It is primarily encountered in historical texts or used as a severe insult.
- As a noun, it is typically used as a predicate or in apposition.
Examples
- Noun:
- Using that term to describe someone with a learning disability is cruel and unacceptable.
- In early 20th-century psychology, the term was a technical classification, but it is now obsolete and offensive.
Advanced Usage
- As a general pejorative: In extremely informal and offensive speech, it is sometimes used not as a clinical description but as a general insult implying stupidity or foolish behavior.
- He called the driver a moron for running the red light. (Highly offensive usage)
- In historical context: The word may appear in historical documents or literature reflecting outdated psychological terminology.
Variants and Related Words
- Moronic (adj): Having the qualities of or characteristic of a moron; extremely foolish or stupid. (Also offensive)
- That was a moronic thing to say.
- Moronically (adv): In a moronic manner. (Offensive)
Synonyms
- Fool: (Less offensive, but still derogatory) A person who acts unwisely or imprudently.
- Idiot: (Dated and offensive) A person of low intelligence.
- Imbecile: (Dated and offensive) A person with moderate to severe intellectual disability.
- Note: Modern, respectful language uses terms like "person with an intellectual disability" or "person with cognitive challenges."
Idioms
No standard idioms are based on this word due to its offensive nature.
Noun
- a city in Argentina, to the west of Buenos Aires
- a person of subnormal intelligence