Definition

Noun: 1. A person with a medical condition causing severely stunted physical and mental development: This is the original, clinical term for a person affected by congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism), a condition resulting from severe thyroid hormone deficiency during early development. 2. A person considered to be extremely stupid or foolish: This is an offensive and derogatory slang usage, used as a strong insult.

Usage

• The term cretin is highly offensive and should be avoided in modern usage.
• Its clinical meaning has been entirely replaced by precise medical terminology (e.g., "a person with congenital hypothyroidism").
• When used as an insult, it is considered vulgar and deeply disrespectful.

Examples

• Historical/Medical Context (now obsolete):
  • In the 19th century, iodine deficiency in certain regions led to a high incidence of cretinism.
• Offensive Slang (to be avoided):
  • That cretin just drove through a red light!
  • He called his opponent a cretin during the debate.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used in literary or historical contexts to describe characters or settings, but even then, it carries its offensive weight.
• In formal or medical writing, it is considered unacceptable and unprofessional.

Variants and Related Words

• Cretinism (noun): The former medical term for the condition of severely impaired physical and mental development due to untreated congenital hypothyroidism. This term is also obsolete and offensive.
• Cretinous (adjective): Having the qualities of a cretin; extremely stupid. This is exclusively offensive.

Synonyms

• For the offensive slang meaning: fool, idiot, imbecile, moron (note: "imbecile" and "moron" also originated as clinical terms and are now considered offensive), dunce, simpleton.
• For the obsolete medical meaning: person with congenital hypothyroidism (preferred modern term).

Important Note

The words cretin, moron, imbecile, and idiot were once formal psychological and medical classifications. They have all passed into common use as insults and are now considered offensive. Their original technical meanings are obsolete and should not be used. Always choose respectful and precise language.

Noun

1. a person of subnormal intelligence