Moron

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈmɔːɹɒn/
• Rhymes: -ɔːɹɒn

Origin

Coined in 1910 by psychologist Henry H. Goddard, from Ancient Greek μωρός (moros, "foolish, dull").

Full definition of moron

Noun

1. (dated, originally) A person of borderline intelligence in the former classification of mental retardation, having of an intelligence quotient of 50-69.
2. (slang) An unintelligent person; an idiot; a fool.
3. (informal) A person who makes uncool, unfunny, uninteresting, or irrelevant (see lame) attempts to impress others and draw attention to themselves, especially in a flawed attempt to act like someone else.

Usage notes

The current medical term for having an IQ between 50 and 69 is mild mental retardation.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• Baltimoron
• moronic
• moronism

Related terms

• oxymoron
• sophomore