In the Russian language there are many words that are used extremely rarely. But they are from the category of those whose significance must be known. These words are native Russian, among them “dunce”. In the article, we will consider what its significance and origin is.
The origin of the word "dunce"
The word "dunce" is of Turkic origin. Tatars have a similar one - “bilmez”, which means “ignoramus”, “ignoramus” and “he does not know”. According to linguists, it was bilmez that became the basis of the word "dunce." Dunce is a stupid, stupid person who does not want to do something and develop his personality. It is worth saying that not only among the Turkic peoples such a word is quite common. The term “bilbes” with a similar meaning is popular among Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.
In Russian, this word came into use in the 19th century. At that time, children studied Latin in schools. If one of the guys did not do the task, then he was called a bunny. In Latin, it sounded like a “ballus,” that is, lazy and uncivil. In Dahl’s dictionary, “dunce” is a blockhead, a clumsy and impolite person.
Hero of folk art
And how else was the definition of "dunce" used? This word was once used by Russian writers and storytellers in their works. That is how they tried to accurately convey the mentality and characteristics of the heroes. The most striking example is the character of many Russian folk tales, Ivan the Fool. He is stupid and stupid.
Dunce is a funny and resourceful character in Soviet cinema. Actors with a suitable appearance and voice were specially selected for the role of such ingenuous and not too smart heroes in Soviet films. Thanks to this, the majority of the audience could have the image of the very Russian dunce. In many Soviet-made films and cartoons, this word was used in a negative sense.
The word "dunce" is not only a term denoting not too good human features. Very often it is used to offend anyone. Therefore, you should carefully think before using it in a speech.