idiot
/i.djo/
The English phrase "dingus" can be translated into French as idiot.
idiot is a slang term used to describe a person who is foolish or stupid. While idiot refers to a person, other informal terms are used for objects. For example, Bidule can refer to a small object or something of little importance, Machin is often used as a placeholder for an unspecified object or thing and Truc can refer to a thing, object or even a gadget.
How do you pronounce it?
/i.djo/
Did you know?
- While idiot is a common insult, the term crétin has a specific historical origin in the Alps, where it was once used as a medical term for a condition caused by iodine deficiency.
- While idiot is common, French speakers often use bête to describe someone as stupid, which literally translates to the word for 'beast'.
- The word idiot shares its ancestry with the word 'idiot' in English, but the original meaning in Ancient Greek was actually 'a person who is private' or 'a layman' rather than someone lacking intelligence.
Examples in context
- J'ai trouvé un dingus dans le tiroir de mon bureau.I found a dingus in the drawer of my desk.
- Quel idiot, il a encore oublié ses clés.What an idiot, he forgot his keys again.
- Ne fais pas l'idiot avec moi.Don't be an idiot with me.
- C'est un pauvre idiot.He is a poor idiot.
Example conversation
Gabriel accidentally locks his keys in the car.
- ChloéTu as encore oublié tes clés ?Did you forget your keys again?
- GabrielOui, je suis désolé.Yes, I am sorry.
- ChloéQuel idiot tu fais, Gabriel !You're such an idiot, Gabriel!
- GabrielArrête de me critiquer.Stop criticizing me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry idiot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idiot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
