Despite the unusual and popular sounding, the word "simpleton" is often used today. Moreover, in works of art and in oral speech. Let’s try to figure out what is the origin and meaning of the word “simpleton”.
Value
The word "simp" is used to refer to a silly and inconsiderate, booby or sloppy. As a rule, this is most often the person who misses the opportunity, is not able to act adequately to reality. Often behind this concept lies a simple-minded person who does not know how to cheat and dodge, and also does not see deception from others. Usually he does not have evil intentions, most likely, he is a simple-hearted person who does not want to harm others. “Coot” is a dismissive word that can be used as a swear word, however, strictly speaking, it is not a curse word.
Origin
A simpleton is a complex word consisting of two parts: “simple” and “filet”. In meaning, it is close to the word “simpleton,” whose root is the same as its first component. Simple means a commoner, a representative of the unprivileged class. The same root is present in the words "common people", "vernacular", "simple-hearted" and so on. The second part of the word most likely comes from a diminutive of the names Philip or Filat. In addition, “fillet” is the name of the jack of hearts or the card game of a fool used by old people.
The name of Phil in the XVII-XIX centuries was considered common, peasant. Since that time, many proverbs, sayings and literary works have begun, in which Filka acts as the name of a typical servant or serf, illiterate and stupid. Thus, both parts of the word “simpleton” speak of something simple-minded, ignorant and stupid.