Nincompoop
Meaning: A foolish or stupid person; old-fashioned insult.
'Nincompoop' is an old-fashioned, humorous insult for a foolish person. The comical sound makes it less harsh than most insults. Often used playfully or in period dramas. Etymology uncertain.
Examples
- You nincompoop! 你这个大傻瓜！¡Pedazo de mentecato!このおバカさん！이 얼간이!
- What a nincompoop. 真是个傻瓜Vaya mentecatoなんておバカなんだ정말 얼간이 같은 놈.
- Don't be such a nincompoop. 别那么傻了No seas tan mentecatoそんなにおバカなことするな그렇게 얼간이처럼 굴지 마.
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪnkəmpuːp/
Usage Guide
Context: mild insult, humorous
Tone: humorous, old-fashioned
✓ Do Say
- Humorous, old-fashioned insult幽默的老式侮辱语Insulto humorístico y anticuadoユーモラスな古風な侮辱語유머러스한 구식 모욕어
✗ Don't Say
- Sounds dated听起来很过时Suena anticuado古臭い響きがする촌스럽게 들린다
Common Mistakes
- Very old-fashioned—sounds comic
Origin & History
Origin uncertain—possibly from Latin 'non compos mentis' (not of sound mind) or from a personal name. First recorded 17th century. The silly sound makes it almost affectionate.
Etymology: Uncertain, possibly Latin non compos mentis
First recorded: 17th century
Cultural Context
Era: 17th century onwards
Generation: Older generations
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Period dramas
Regional notes: British and American but dated.
Variations
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