Stupids

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterizing individuals as lacking intelligence or common sense; describing actions or statements that display a disregard for rational thought; labeling behaviors that are considered foolish or nonsensical in nature
2. Referring to people who demonstrate a deficiency in cognitive ability or judgment; indicating choices or remarks made without careful consideration; denoting acts that can be seen as absurd or imprudent
3. Representing persons whose reasoning abilities are questioned or deemed inadequate; portraying decisions and comments that are ill-considered; identifying activities that are perceived as irrational or silly

Etymology: "Stupids" is the plural of "stupid," an adjective that in Latin meant "struck senseless." The Latin "stupidus" came from "stupeō," "be amazed or confounded," and that verb rests on a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to push, stick," so the original idea was of someone so stunned by a blow or shock that they stopped moving. The image is physical before it is mental. The English word arrived by way of Middle French "stupide," and its plural form has the same origin. Its meanings have moved from the literal sense of being dazed or stopped in one's tracks toward the judgment of a dull mind or a foolish decision, which is how the plural is now used for people, choices, remarks and acts.

Synonyms: fools, idiots, dunces, simpletons, blockheads

Antonyms: geniuses, intellectuals, scholars, wise, bright