idiot

Everyday

1. (rude) An idiot is a person who does something very stupid; it is an insult. tree →
2. (informal, joking) People call themselves or a friend an idiot when they make a silly mistake. tree →
3. (old, now offensive) It was once a medical word for a person with a learning disability; it is not used that way now. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, «you idiot!» is name-calling and can hurt feelings; at school it is usually not allowed. People often say «I'm such an idiot» about their own small mistake. In stories, a character who acts foolishly may be called an idiot. Phrases: you idiot, what an idiot, feel like an idiot, make an idiot of yourself.

Examples

• I'm such an idiot — I left my lunch at home! tree →
• Don't call your brother an idiot; it's unkind. tree →
• He felt like an idiot when he fell in the puddle. tree →
• Only an idiot would cycle without lights at night. (rude) tree →
• She made an idiot of herself at the party. tree →
• «You idiot!» shouted the driver. (rude) tree →
• I was an idiot to forget the key, laughed Dad. tree →
• ‘Ahem!’ There he stood like an idiot. tree →

Note

Countable noun; use «an idiot» because it starts with a vowel sound. The adjective is «idiotic». It is an insult: rude when aimed at others, joking when about yourself. Do not use the old medical sense.