Mome

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A foolish person lacking intelligence or sensibility; someone demonstrating silliness or naivety in their actions or thoughts; an individual viewed as inept or goofy in social situations
2. A person characterized by foolishness and lack of common sense; one whose antics are often regarded as silly or ill-advised; an individual prone to making absurd decisions and actions
3. An individual deemed simple-minded with little understanding; one whose conduct often appears childish or irresponsible; a person who is frequently seen as lacking wit or prudence

Etymology: Momus was the Greek god of mockery and satire, a son of Night who was known for finding fault with everything, even the work of the gods. His name passed into Latin and then Old French, where "momon" came to mean a mask or a mummer, someone who performed in disguise. In English the word "mome" came to name a dull, clownish fool, and it is a reminder that the god who mocked others was the origin of a word for the buffoon. The second strand comes from an unexpected direction. The term has been linked by analogy with "pope," as if a fool were being given the title of a mock religious leader, so the word took on the shape of a clerical title while keeping its mocking roots. Its sense of a person whose absurd decisions draw ridicule grew naturally out of that long association with folly and mockery.

Synonyms: fool, simpleton, blockhead, dunce, idiot

Antonyms: genius, sage, intellectual, wise person, clever person