dysig
The Old English word for stupid is dysig.
dysig is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is lacking in intelligence.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Did you know?
- The Old English word dysig is the direct ancestor of the modern English word 'dizzy'. For centuries it still meant 'foolish', and the sense of feeling giddy came much later.
- While dysig means 'stupid', Old English speakers often used the term dwæs to describe someone who was foolish or reckless. The distinction was between a lack of mental clarity and a lack of judgment.
Examples in context
- Se dysiga mann ne cann rǣdan.The stupid man cannot read.
- Ic eom dysig.I am stupid.
Example conversation
Eadgyth and Godric are discussing a mistake.
- EadgythHwī dyde þū þæt, Godric?Why did you do that, Godric?
- GodricIċ nāt.I do not know.
- EadgythÞū eart dysig!You are stupid!
- GodricNe sege þū þæt.Do not say that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dysig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
