nitwit
Nitwit (noun) means a foolish or scatterbrained person. Example: “Only a nitwit would leave the car running with the keys inside.”
How to use nitwit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, mildly insulting word for someone acting foolishly.
Informal and a bit old-fashioned, but still understood and used affectionately in some contexts.
Word forms
nitwits plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would leave the car running with the keys inside.
Etymology
First recorded in the US in the 1910s, likely from German or Yiddish dialect words for "nothing" combined with "wit."
Synonyms
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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.".
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