Discussing on the Internet is a terrible thing, when commentators can learn a lot about their family members and themselves. Insults are original, complex, classic obscene. But in some cases, the interlocutors resort to traditional definitions, among which there was a place for the word "idiot". This is a short curse known to all segments of the population, and therefore used regularly. It has long been a curse, and what does it mean in its basic interpretation? Can I use it without purpose to hurt others?
Mediterranean tradition
Initially, the term originated in Greece. In particular, in the homeland of democracy they were characterized by those citizens who tried to distance themselves from public duties and did not take a special part in the life of the city-state. This "idiot" was treated relatively harmlessly:
It was formed from ἴδιος, the literal translation of which is "special, your own." However, over time, the concept changed, and already in the Roman Empire idiota found a negative message:
In this form, the word "idiot" came into Russian through German and / or French idiot. However, the cultural prism of the novel of the same name by Dostoevsky somewhat ennobled a capacious definition, brought it closer to such epithets in the 19th century as:
The speaker pointed to the isolation of man from philistine interests, from everyday life. They called him rather meek and naive than crazy and stupid.
Modern interpretation
Doctors recorded the insulting meaning when they created the corresponding term. Thanks to their efforts, today the "idiot" is one of two options:
- a person with an idiot;
- dumbass, stupid person.
In the framework of psychiatry, an idiot is a patient with a serious developmental delay, when thought processes and speech noticeably lag behind the level of peers. Moreover, the emotional life and desires of the individual are as primitive as possible, are incoherent and illogical. There are three degrees of backwardness:
- debility;
- imbecility;
- idiocy.
Today, names are excluded from official medicine. They began to be used at the household level to indicate the stupidity of the interlocutor, which made it impossible to use them as a diagnosis.
Everyday communication
Is it appropriate to say so? Unfortunately, apart from the discussion of the history of medicine and classical literature, the word "idiot" is given the most evil meanings. This is an insult in the 21st century, an attempt to belittle mental abilities or to express indignation with a poorly done work. Try to remove the concept from your vocabulary - it is unacceptable in any situation!