cretin
6 synonyms for cretin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From French crétin, ultimately from a dialectal Alpine form of "chrétien" ("Christian"), once used sympathetically of poor or vulnerable people before the word narrowed and turned into an insult.
Full origin of cretin →Frequently asked questions
What does “cretin” mean?
The word “cretin” means an insulting term for a stupid or foolish person. In plain terms, a rude word for someone acting foolishly.
How do you pronounce “cretin”?
“Cretin” is pronounced KREH-tihn (/ˈkɹiːtɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “cretin” in a sentence?
Here is “cretin” used in a sentence: “Only a cretin would sign a contract without reading it.”
What part of speech is “cretin”?
“Cretin” is a noun.
Where does the word “cretin” come from?
The word “cretin” comes from French. From French crétin, ultimately from a dialectal Alpine form of "chrétien" ("Christian"), once used sympathetically of poor or vulnerable people before the word narrowed and turned into an insult.
