twpsyn
/ˈtʊpsɨ̞n/masculine
The Welsh word for idiot is twpsyn. Wiktionary also lists ynfytyn.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| twpsyn | /ˈtʊpsɨ̞n/ (North Wales) /ˈtʊpsɪn/ (South Wales) |
masculine |
| ynfytyn | /ənˈvətɨ̞n/ (North Wales) /ənˈvətɪn/ (South Wales) |
masculine |
Both twpsyn and ynfytyn are nouns used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Which one should you use?
twpsyn is the default form, while ynfytyn is an alternative masculine noun for the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both twpsyn and ynfytyn are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʊpsɨ̞n/
Did you know?
- The word twpsyn can be used as a gentle term of endearment between friends, similar to the English word 'silly'.
- The word twpsyn is built using a singulative suffix, a grammatical tool used to transform a mass or a general concept into a single, specific individual.
- The term ynfytyn is structurally different because it is a compound of the word ynfyd, meaning 'idiotic', and dyn, meaning 'man'.
Examples in context
- Rwy'n feddwl ei fod ef yn twpsyn.I think he is an idiot.
Example conversation
Elowen and Gareth are trying to assemble a piece of furniture.
- ElowenPam wyt ti'n gwneud hynny, Gareth?Why are you doing that, Gareth?
- GarethDw i'n meddwel ei fod yn gywir.I think it is correct.
- ElowenTi'n twpsyn, mae'r dair yn anghywir!You're an idiot, the screw is wrong!
- GarethSori, dw i'n gwybod nawr.Sorry, I know now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries twpsyn, ynfytyn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries twpsyn, ynfytyn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
