nitwit
3 synonyms for nitwit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A foolish or scatterbrained person.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nitwit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
act like a nitwit
a total nitwit
Informal and a bit old-fashioned, but still understood and used affectionately in some contexts.
Etymology
First recorded in the US in the 1910s, likely from German or Yiddish dialect words for "nothing" combined with "wit."
Full origin of nitwit →Frequently asked questions
What does “nitwit” mean?
The word “nitwit” means a foolish or scatterbrained person. In plain terms, an informal, mildly insulting word for someone acting foolishly.
How do you pronounce “nitwit”?
“Nitwit” is pronounced NIHT-wiht (/ˈnɪtwɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “nitwit” in a sentence?
Here is “nitwit” used in a sentence: “Only a nitwit would leave the car running with the keys inside.”
What part of speech is “nitwit”?
“Nitwit” is a noun.
Where does the word “nitwit” come from?
The word “nitwit” dates back to around 1910 and comes from German. First recorded in the US in the 1910s, likely from German or Yiddish dialect words for "nothing" combined with "wit.".
