Sillybum

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who behaves in a foolish, childish or slightly ridiculous way, often in an affectionate or teasing manner
2. Someone regarded as silly or lacking good sense, usually said playfully rather than with real hostility
3. A dim-witted or goofy individual whose conduct is laughably foolish, used in a light and mocking tone

Etymology: "Silly" once meant "blessed." Its Old English ancestor, "sælig," meant happy or fortunate, and over the centuries the sense drifted from blessed to innocent, then to pitiable, then weak, and finally foolish. A word for the holy became a word for the simple-minded. "Bum" is the older, earthier half. It names the buttocks, and its origin is uncertain, though it may be related to Middle Low German or Dutch words. Joining it to "silly" makes a compound that mocks someone as a foolish fellow. The crude word attached to the innocent one gives the insult a cheerful rather than cutting edge.

Synonyms: idiot, fool, dimwit, goof

Antonyms: genius, sage