ηλίθιος
ilíthios/iˈli.θi.os/
The Greek word for moron is ηλίθιος (ilíthios).
ηλίθιος is a noun used to describe a person of mild mental subnormality. Ηλίθιος means stupid or idiotic.
Meaning: psychology, dated: person of mild mental subnormality (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ηλίθιος is used to mean stupid or idiotic, the slang term Μαλάκας can also be used to mean fool, jerk or idiot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes based on gender and number: ηλίθια is the feminine singular form, ηλίθιοι is the masculine plural and ηλίθιες is the feminine plural. When the masculine singular form is used as a direct object in the accusative case, it becomes ηλίθιο.
How do you pronounce it?
ilíthios. The stress is on the second of four syllables.
Did you know?
- While ηλίθιος is a direct insult, the related slang term μαλάκας can be used as a term of endearment between close male friends.
- The word ηλίθιος originates from the Ancient Greek concept of being 'idle' or 'vain' rather than a literal lack of intelligence.
- If you use ηλίθιος in a formal setting, it may sound more like a profound insult to one's character than a simple common swear word.
Examples in context
- Μην τον ακούς, είναι ασύνετος.Don't listen to him, he is foolish.
- Ο νέος συνάδελφος είναι πραγματικά ανόητος.The new colleague is truly foolish.
- Αυτή η απόφαση είναι απόλυτα ηλίθια.This decision is absolutely stupid.
- Είναι ένας ηλίθιος και δεν ακούει ποτέ.Ine enas ilithios kai den akuei pote.He is a moron and never listens.
Example conversation
George and Eleni are discussing a clumsy coworker.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίδες τι έκανε ο συνάδελφός μας;Eides ti ekane o synadelfos mas?Did you see what our colleague did?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, είναι ένας ολοκληρως ηλίθιος.Nai, einai enas olokliros ilithios.Yes, he is a complete moron.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΠώς μπορεί να κάνει τέτοια λάθη;Pos borei na kanei tetoia lathi?How can he make such mistakes?
- Ελένη EleniΑπλά δεν σκέφτεται ποτέ.Apla den skeftei pote.He just never thinks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ηλίθιος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ηλίθιος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
