Daffy Derivations

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1. You've just been cut off in traffic. You may wish to express your unflattering opinion of the offending driver using a descriptive expletive derived from a Greek noun meaning "private person". In an obsolete classification of intelligence, a person aptly described by this word would have a mental age of less than three years. What is this word? Idiot Moron Imbecile Ignoramus

2. Your uncle is somewhat peculiar, and the old gentleman seems distracted at times. You wish to warn a friend who is about to meet you uncle for the first time, but you want to select a term that is not especially pejorative. You might consider a word for which dictionaries cite varied possible antecedents. Some cite a Scottish word meaning "silly", others a Norwegian word meaning "to shake". As early as the 13th century, forms of the word began to be applied to mental impairments related to old age. In current usage, the derived verb is most often used to indicate that excessive fondness is being shown. The adjectival form more often refers to mental impairment than to excessive fondness. What is the adjective? Balmy Dotty Buggy Loopy

3. You're exasperated. You brother just doesn't get it! He's intelligent and well educated, so you don't want to revert to slang in your criticism of him. You recall an adjective derived from a Latin past participle of a word meaning "to beat against and make blunt". The word can be employed to convey blunting of intellect, perception, sensitivity or some combination of the three. The word is also used as a descriptive term in both botany and geometry. What do you inform your brother that he is? Purblind Obtuse Dull Dim

4. English is well supplied with what I term "bit" words - words that seem to beg to be preceded by the words "a bit". In particular, there are a number of "bit" words that gently cast aspersions on another's sanity. "Uncle Jack's a bit loony, really. Aunt Agatha is a bit kooky as well." One of my favorite "bit" words derives from an old English word meaning "meek" and a Middle English word meaning "foolish". This word is still used to denote foolishness but is more frequently employed to signify madness or craziness. The word that I allude to is which of the following? (The original old English word also evolved into a word, differing only by a vowel, that means "nimble or facile.") Batty Loopy Barmy Daft

5. If some words beg to be preceded by "a bit", others almost demand that "a complete" be placed in front of them. If someone's incompetence has inconvenienced you, you may notify them, tolerantly, that they are "a bit dull". But, if their ineptitude has just ruined your project for the sixth consecutive time, you may feel compelled to scathingly inform them that they are "a complete idiot". As an alternative to "idiot" you could select a word ultimately derived from a Latin word meaning "leaning on a stick". The word was more immediately derived from a French word meaning "feeble". In an obsolete classification of intelligence, this term denoted an intellect slightly higher than that of an idiot. What would you call them? A complete imbecile A complete maladroit A complete moron A complete ignoramus

6. You're in the market for a more plebian term with which to insult another's intelligence. You use a term you feel is appropriately colloquial and working-class, believing it derives from a variety of soup. In reality, you are nearly quoting Shakespeare. Which word have you uttered? Chowderhead Noodle head Pea brain Ninnyhammer

7. You are determined to employ a somewhat vulgar word to describe one of your spouse's relatives who is, in your opinion, inclined to silliness and not very bright. You select a word ultimately derived from a Latin word meaning "dunce". This term is coincidently the name of a tropical bird. Which of the following words is it? Witling Dizzard Booby Babbler

8. A previously balanced and reasonable person of your acquaintance has become somewhat wacky and unpredictable. Wanting to remark on this change, you chose a word that is derived from making faulty repairs. Which of the following words is it? Barmy Haywire Buggy Kooky

9. Despite your advanced education and keen wit, an imperceptive clod has just called you a name implying that you are unintelligent. You smile, knowing that your detractor has probably placed you in good company. The term your critic has inadvertently chosen was coined in the 16th century to describe followers of a 13th century Scottish theologian who was beatified as a Saint in the 20th century. With which of the following words did your critic describe you? Tomfool Dunce Kook Tom Noddy

10. You may have noticed that I am, perhaps, one taco short of a Fiesta Meal. Wishing to be gentle and considerate as you share this insight with me, you might want to know which particular term I would want used to describe my own deficiencies. I would prefer to be described by a word that may have originated as a descriptive term for inmates of a particular asylum in England. The original word seems to have become confused with a similar word that is often used to describe mild and pleasant breezes. It is this latter word (meaning "mild and pleasant") that I prefer as a description for myself. So, if it is a apparent to you that I am a little cracked, I would prefer that I be referred to as being just a bit _______. Answer: (One word, beginning with "B", five letters.)