essay word for stupid

9 Different Ways To Say “Stupid”

Stupid is as stupid does ....

Let’s be honest: other people can grate on our nerves sometimes. It’s unavoidable. But it’s nice to know that English provides us with some helpfully descriptive words that we can use for those forehead-slapping moments when we just need to vent about our fellow humans. Let’s break down a few of our favorites here.

Note that tone is key—vocal inflection , volume, and context can communicate as much as the word itself!

Dumb is used commonly, and as insults go it’s fairly benign . Defined as “lacking intelligence or good judgment, stupid, or dull-witted,” you can usually get away with using this one in a wide range of contexts if you’re not too harsh in the delivery.

Interestingly, in Old English dumb specifically referred to people who were mute, or otherwise unable to speak. The contemporary sense of dumb as “stupid” came into common usage in the 1800s.

Slang being what it is, dope has numerous senses, not all of which are negative. But when you want to cut a little deeper, a dope is “a person considered to be stupid or slow-witted.” Example: “Only a dope would refuse this opportunity.”

This notion of dope as “thick-headed” came from early-1800s American English, when dope meant “a thick sauce or gravy.” Mmm, delicious dope .

The modern definition for a fool is “a silly or stupid person, or a person who lacks judgment or sense.”

This sense is likely influenced by the term’s secondary definition as “a professional jester,” formerly kept by persons of noble or royal rank for amusement. But  fool’s etymological roots actually go way back to Vulgar Latin, when it meant “windbag, empty-headed person.” Talk about an insult.

Welp, there isn’t much room to misinterpret brainless.  Inflection won’t swerve this one in a different direction. When someone’s  brainless, they’re “mentally weak, foolish, witless, and stupid,” i.e., lacking a brain. Ouch.

This one’s a classic. Since the 1300s, idiot has been used to describe people who are “so mentally deficient as to be incapable of ordinary reasoning.” These days, we define it slightly less cuttingly as “an utterly foolish or senseless person.” Use this when you really want to go after someone.

One appropriately harsh example: “If you think you can wear that outfit to a job interview and get hired, you’re an idiot. “

This one seems mild, but it has sharper edges than you might think.

A moron refers to “a person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment.” In the early 1900s, though, it was used as a technical term in psychology to mean “one of the highest class of feeble-minded persons,” and was further defined as “an adult with a mental age between 8 and 12.” Brutal.

Thankfully it’s no longer in use in the medical field as it’s now considered offensive, but be sure to keep historical context in mind when you sling this one around.

This one’s fairly self explanatory. Dating from 1635, half-wit describes someone who’s “feeble-minded, foolish, and stupid,” or someone who only has half of their wits. Half is better than none, we suppose.

A good cousin to “brainless”, mindless means “without intelligence, senseless, a mindless creature.” Seems like one you’d mutter under your breath rather than saying out loud, no?

Thick  is about as descriptive as it gets, and humans have been using it as an insult meaning “stupid” since the 1500s. Rooted in the Old English term for “dense; viscous,”  thick is defined as “mentally slow; dull.” A fitting term for when someone just isn’t getting it.

For even more ways to vent your frustration, explore more insulting synonyms on Thesaurus.com .

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Alternative Ways to Say “Stupid”: Formal and Informal Options

Gaining a versatile vocabulary is always valuable, especially when you’re trying to express yourself in different social contexts. While the term “stupid” is commonly used to denote a lack of intelligence or common sense, it’s good to be aware of alternative words and phrases that can effectively convey the same meaning. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “stupid”, providing you with a diverse range of options to choose from. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Formal Alternatives

When it comes to formal settings, it’s crucial to maintain a respectful tone while expressing your thoughts. Here are some formal alternatives to the term “stupid” that you can confidently use:

• Unintelligent: This term directly addresses a lack of intellect without sounding too harsh. For example, “His performance on the test was disappointingly unintelligent.”
• Inept: Implying a lack of skill or ability, “inept” is an effective way to describe someone who is struggling to grasp concepts. For instance, “The new recruit’s inept behavior is hindering the team’s progress.”
• Ignorant: While it can be perceived as offensive depending on the context, “ignorant” is a formal word that highlights a lack of knowledge or awareness. For instance, “She made an ignorant remark, showing her lack of understanding.”
• Idiotic: Reserved for instances when someone displays extreme foolishness, “idiotic” carefully suggests a lack of intelligence without resorting to direct insults. For example, “His decision to invest all his savings in a scam seemed utterly idiotic.”
• Imbecilic: This term, though stronger in its meaning, can be used formally to denote extreme stupidity. For instance, “The imbecilic actions of the driver caused a serious accident.”

Informal Alternatives

In less formal situations, you have more freedom to express your thoughts creatively. Here are some informal alternatives to “stupid” that can add a touch of humor or playfulness to your conversations:

• Dopey: Often associated with a charming sense of silliness, “dopey” describes someone who lacks common sense or understanding. For example, “He always asks the most dopey questions in meetings.”
• Daft: With its roots in British English, “daft” denotes someone who is silly or foolish. For instance, “Stop acting daft and pay attention!”
• Absurd: Typically used to describe situations or actions rather than individuals, “absurd” suggests a lack of logic or reason. For example, “The decision to cut funding for education is absolutely absurd.”
• Dim-witted: A lighthearted way to refer to someone who lacks intelligence or common sense. For instance, “She’s a bit dim-witted when it comes to solving puzzles.”
• Half-baked: This informal term suggests a lack of thoroughness or complete understanding. For example, “The half-baked plan to start a business without any research led to its failure.”

Regions and Contexts

Language can vary across regions, and certain terms are more common in specific areas. However, it’s important to note that these variations may not explicitly mean “stupid” and can have different connotations based on the cultural context. Here are a few regional variations, but do exercise caution:

Bloody: Primarily used in British English, this term suggests a sense of frustration or annoyance, but it may not directly convey the meaning of “stupid”. For example, “That was a bloody stupid mistake!”

Remember, always be mindful of cultural sensitivities, and use regional variations only if you have a good grasp of their meanings and implications.

With this guide, you now have a selection of alternatives to the term “stupid” that you can use confidently in both formal and informal situations. Remember, it’s important to consider the context and the individuals involved in any conversation to ensure your words are appropriate and respectful. Expanding your vocabulary and exploring different ways to express yourself encourages effective communication and helps you engage with others in a more thoughtful manner. So go ahead and add these alternative words to your linguistic toolbox!

Related Guides:

• How to Say “Stupid” in a Cute Way – Formal and Informal Options
• How to Say “Beautiful” in Different Ways to a Boy: Formal and Informal Options
• How to Say Best Wishes in Different Ways: Informal and Formal Options
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• Expanding the Phrase “In Conclusion”: Various Options for Formal and Informal Situations
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Stupid – Synonyms

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The word “stupid” commonly defines a lack of intelligence and is mainly used in informal speech. In a broader sense, it can be understood as a restricted state of mind.

Another word for “stupid” is unintelligent or foolish. However, more synonyms will be listed in this article.

On our overview page for synonyms, you can find the best options of synonyms for a vast variety of words that are used in academic writing .

To the overview page for synonyms

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 “Stupid” – General synonyms
• 2 “Stupid” – Synonyms used in academic writing

“Stupid” – General synonyms

The following illustrates other words for “stupid” that may be used in everyday conversation as well as in academic writing.

• Ill-advised
• Thoughtless
• Unintelligent
• Unreflective

“Stupid” synonyms in the sense of unintelligent

Synonyms of the word “stupid” in the sense of unintelligent are:

• Simple-minded
• Thickheaded

“Stupid” synonyms in the sense of silly

Synonyms of the word “stupid” in the sense of silly are:

• Irresponsible
• Meaningless
• Short-sighted

“Stupid” synonyms in the sense of senseless

Synonyms of the word “stupid” in the sense of senseless are:

• Into-oblivion
• Punch-drunk
• Semiconscious

“Stupid” – Synonyms used in academic writing

In an academic context, the word “stupid” is not used. It is rather used in everyday language and has a negative connotation. However, synonyms for “stupid” are shown in examples below.

Are you looking for suitable synonyms for “stupid” for your academic paper? Have a look at the table below with the top suggestions from our BachelorPrint-Team .

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14 of the Best ‘Stupid’ Synonyms

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

Words, of course, are the tools of the writer’s trade. But what are some good words, perhaps even some unusual but wonderfully descriptive words, which mean ‘stupid’ or ‘foolish’ or ‘gullible’? Here are some of the best, most useful, as well as some of the most unusual synonyms for ‘stupid’ and ‘stupidity’ (and for foolish people).

This word literally comes from the Greek for ‘dull’: ‘oxymoron’, denoting a phrase containing two opposites, literally means ‘sharp-dull’. Someone who is moronic or a moron is ‘dull’, then; but this word is often frowned upon because it was also used to describe those who are mentally disabled.

Originally denoting a substance whose particles who close together – whose particles, in other words, were thickly crowded together – the word ‘dense’ came to be applied to people, and specifically to those whose intelligence leaves something to be desired, in the early nineteenth century. The Oxford English Dictionary ’s earliest citation is from the essayist Charles Lamb in 1822.

How, then, did thick itself come to be a synonym for stupid ? The word was applied to people who were dull of hearing some time in the sixteenth century, and by the end of that century was being used for those who were dull of perception in a mental rather than auditory sense. The famous simile from 2 Henry IV , ‘as thicke as Tewksbury mustard’, is the OED ’s earliest citation for the word ‘thick’ in the sense of ‘stupid’.

The word ‘obtuse’ denotes someone who is slow to understand, or insensitively stupid in their behaviour. The origin of this term as a synonym for ‘stupid’ is easier to understand when we learn that it originally meant ‘dull’ or ‘blunt’ or ‘stupid’ on classical Latin.

IMBECILIC .

An imbecile is somebody of weak or inferior intellect, but in Psychology the term refers specifically to somebody whose mental disabilities rendered them somewhere between a moron (less severe than an imbecile) and an idiot (more severe than an imbecile).

GOBEMOUCHE.

Let’s branch out into less familiar territory and celebrate some more niche words for stupidity and stupid people for a moment. The word ‘gobemouche’ certainly fits the bill: it’s a word denoting a gullible person who believes everything, and is, rather pleasingly, from the French for ‘fly-swallower’ – the idea being that a slow-witted person always has their mouth open.

A fool. Dating from at least as early as the fifteenth century, ‘wantwit’ means a fool or stupid person – someone who ‘wants’ (or lacks) wit.

Defined by the OED as ‘A fool, simpleton, noodle, blockhead’, this wonderful word has been in use since 1500.

Returning us to the realm of the more familiar here, ‘mindless’ is a good all-round synonym for ‘stupid’ or unintelligent: it’s been in use for over a thousand years.

This word means ‘foolish or silly’, although its use is rather rare. It’s found in one of the eighteenth-century dictionaries by Nathan Bailey that preceded Samuel Johnson’s more famous one of 1755.

PHRONEMOPHOBIA.

On a related note, an unusual synonym for ‘stupid’ might be ‘phronemophobic’: having a fear of thinking. This is a rare term, but is useful to know…

ULTRACREPIDARIAN.

This handy adjective combines stupidity or ignorance with the need to announce such ignorance to the world: ‘ultracrepidation’ is practised by someone who is a) stupid and b) overly critical. So to ultracrepidate means to criticise something that is beyond one’s sphere of knowledge, and an ultracrepidarian is one who ultracrepidates.

The word has a curious etymology: it was first recorded in 1819 by the essayist William Hazlitt, who called the editor William Gifford ‘an Ultra-Crepidarian critic.’ But the term ultimately has its origins in the classical world: the Greek artist Apelles said to a shoemaker who presumed to criticise his painting, ‘Sutor, ne ultra crepidam’: i.e. ‘do not venture beyond the sole’, or, in other words, don’t venture to offer an opinion on things you know nothing about.

ULTRAFIDIAN.

Sticking with ‘ultra’ words, this term denotes someone whose credulity spills over into gullibility. As Hartley Coleridge put it in 1849: ‘The great moralist, who balanced an ultrafidian credulity in the supernatural with an extraordinary degree of scepticism in things natural and human.’

INANILOQUENT.

A slight variation on the idea of being stupid: this word refers to speaking foolishly or saying silly things.

This concludes our pick of the best synonyms for stupid and stupidity (and stupid person ). Of course, there are many others we could have included, but we opted for the most interesting as well as the most directly useful here (though some are less useful and some more interesting than others!).

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10 thoughts on “14 of the Best ‘Stupid’ Synonyms”

I might start using “gobemouche” and “ultracrepidarian”. They just sound so much better than calling someone “thick”!

Very interesting, will need to use some of these sometime.

Very useful list! I think I might start using gobemouche, love it!😂

love these new words for my own vocab – thanks xxxx

I feel gobmouched!

What, no mention of ‘gormless’?

Brilliant list! Some of the lesser-known ones must be brought back into use!

And then for nouns, there’s always dipsh*t, dolt, idiot, ignoramus, moron, nitwit and numbskull.

Surely nincompoop deserves to be on the list?

Wow! Who knew there were so many ways to be stupid. I would say I am dense, but really just ignorant!

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40+ Ways to Say STUPID in english

Ways to say stupid.

The word “ stupid ” is often used to describe someone who is perceived to be lacking intelligence or common sense. However, using the same word repeatedly can be unproductive, especially when trying to provide constructive criticism. In this blog, we will explore some ways to say stupid that can add more depth and clarity to how we describe someone’s mistakes or shortcomings.

• Foolish – Displaying a lack of wisdom, common sense, or good judgment.
• Unwise – Making decisions or taking actions that are not smart or prudent.
• Ignorant – Lacking knowledge or information about a particular subject or situation.
• Imprudent – Acting without caution or careful consideration of consequences.
• Senseless – Lacking any rational or logical basis.
• Absurd – Contradicting rationality or good sense; lacking credibility.
• Preposterous – Extremely ridiculous or absurd.
• Short-sighted – Lacking the ability to see beyond immediate results or consequences.
• Naive – Displaying a lack of experience, judgment, or sophistication.
• Inane – Devoid of intelligence or meaning.
• Ridiculous – Invoking laughter or mockery due to being absurd or irrational.
• Foolhardy – Displaying recklessness or a lack of caution.
• Witless – Lacking intelligence or understanding.
• Dumb – Displaying a lack of intelligence or good judgment.
• Clueless – Having no understanding or awareness of a situation.

Ways to Say STUPID in english

Here are some “ways to say stupid” in English:

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In this blog, we will explore some of these alternatives ( Ways to Say STUPID).

Unintelligent: This word is a simple and straightforward alternative to “stupid.” It is less loaded and can be used in situations where you want to describe someone’s lack of intellectual capabilities without being hurtful. It suggests that someone is not particularly bright or clever, but it does not imply that they are completely incompetent.

Example: “He may be a nice guy, but he’s just not very intelligent.”

Simple-minded: This phrase is a more descriptive way of saying “stupid.” It implies that someone has a limited capacity for complex or abstract thought. It is often used to describe people who are not very creative or imaginative.

Example: “She’s a bit simple-minded, so she struggles with more abstract concepts.”

Ignorant: Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or information. This word can be used to describe someone who is not well-informed about a particular topic or subject. It is less personal than “stupid” and can be a more productive way to encourage someone to learn more about a subject.

Example: “I don’t think he understands the issue fully. He’s just ignorant about the facts.”

Uninformed: Similar to “ignorant,” this word is used to describe someone who lacks knowledge or information about a particular subject. It is a more neutral way of describing someone’s lack of understanding.

Example: “She’s uninformed about the topic, so she doesn’t really know what she’s talking about.”

Foolish: This word is a less harsh alternative to “stupid.” It suggests that someone has made a poor decision or is engaging in behavior that is not wise. It can be used to describe someone’s actions rather than their overall intelligence.

Example: “It was a foolish decision to quit his job without having another one lined up.”

Dense: This word suggests that someone is slow to understand or learn new things. It can be used to describe someone who is not necessarily stupid, but who takes longer to process information.

Example: “He’s not stupid, but he can be a bit dense at times. It takes him a while to understand new concepts.”

Naive: This word is used to describe someone who lacks experience or is overly trusting. It suggests that someone is not stupid, but is perhaps too innocent or inexperienced to recognize when they are being taken advantage of.

Example: “She’s not stupid, she’s just a bit naive. She doesn’t realize that people might try to manipulate her.”

In conclusion, there are many ways to describe someone’s mistakes or shortcomings without resorting to the same old word “stupid” ( Ways to Say STUPID ). By using a variety of descriptors, we can add nuance and depth to how we describe someone’s actions or decisions. Whether we use words like “foolish,” “unwise,” or “inane,” each of these words can provide a unique perspective on someone’s behavior and help us communicate our thoughts more effectively.

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Another Word for STUPID: 30 Useful Synonyms for Stupid in English

Another word for “stupid”!!! Are you searching for other words for “stupid”? Here are useful synonyms words for stupid to help you improve and expand your English vocabulary.

Stupid Synonyms

List of other words for stupid.

Unintelligent

Stupid Synonyms Examples

• The questions were set up to make her look  dumb .
• My best friend tells me that I am  silly  to be upset about this.
• I thought the whole idea was just a  foolish  and dangerous delusion.
• I am rather chary of making too many idiotic mistakes.
• Sometimes, you can be really thick .
• He just sat there with his mouth open looking really gormless .
• Stop talking to yourself. If you keep acting so  dorky , you’ll never…
• It is very impolite to call others a dunce .
• He’s a first-class dolt who insists on doing things his way.
• Hurry up, doofus . I don’t have all day.
• Don’t call me a dumbo !
• You’ve got the picture upside-down, you dope !
• Be careful, you big   lummox , you just stamped on my foot!
• Andy is one of the most incompetent cretins I’ve ever met!
• When it comes to music, I’m a complete ignoramus .
• It’s naive to think that teachers are always tolerant.
• It was an absolutely senseless act of violence.
• It would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious.
• It was futile to continue the negotiations.
• He looked ludicrous in that suit!
• He made crass comments about her worn-out clothes.
• His dull speeches often underwhelm his audiences.
• He believes him to be a weak and unintelligent man.
• I’ve really been very obtuse and stupid.
• Don’t be so absurd ! Of course, I want you to come.
• I used to think that Gordon was a moron .
• What a brainless thing to do!
• Don’t be such a clod !
• There’s no smoke, no fire, you dimwit .
• You are a chump ! Why did you tell her that?

Another Word for Stupid | Infographic

List of Stupid Synonyms in English

Last Updated on January 7, 2021

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Home » Another Words For “Stupid” | 150+ Synonyms Of Stupid

Another Words For “Stupid” | 150+ Synonyms Of Stupid

In this lesson you’ll learn useful list of synonyms for “stupid” . This lesson will help you to expand your English vocabulary with example sentences and pictures.

Meaning of Stupid:   A person who is ignorant of a subject and of all things in general with the added inability to learn. It is not used in polite company.

Other Words for “Stupid”

• Knuckle-dragger
• Knucklehead
• Wooden-head
• Silly goose

List of 150+ Different Words To Use Instead Of “Stupid”

• Block-headed
• Dull-witted
• Empty-headed
• Feeble-minded
• Half-witted
• Harebrained
• Hare-brained
• Ill-advised
• Impoverished
• Injudicious
• Insensitive
• Irresponsible
• Light-headed
• Meaningless
• Nonsensical
• Preposterous
• Ridiculousness
• Short-sighted
• Simpleminded
• Simple-minded
• Slow-witted
• Thickheaded
• Thick-headed
• Thick-witted
• Thoughtless
• Unfortunate
• Unimaginative
• Unintelligent
• Uninteresting
• Unreasonable
• Weak-minded

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An inoffensive word for "stupid"?

In my native language, there is a word that has a meaning similar to stupid , but it is friendly and usually used for a close friend or loved one. It even helps the target people to feel happy in some cases, especially romantic situation where the "stupidity" stems from a cute action or misunderstanding.

Is there any similar word in English?

• word-choice
• single-word-requests

• related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/570/… –  user362 Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 15:20
• @JasperLoy For example, when a friend tells me that he don't know what a girl he is in love is thinking, but you are fully understanding the situation, I may say this in my language: "You are such a "stupid" guy". That sentence has no offensive mean, but he knows that he is in a funny situation in others' eyes. –  Luke Vo Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 15:58
• 9 I usually get called "dummy" ;) –  drxzcl Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 18:35
• I think this is a good example of a question that should include the source language and word, and be tagged translation . I would allow it. –  Jez Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 20:12
• Cute action or misunderstanding maybe silly, it's inoffensive because it's kind of childish and would probably make people laugh. –  minseong Commented Nov 3, 2017 at 22:35

19 Answers 19

I assume OP is really looking for a word meaning "stupid" , but with positive connotations (along the lines of "cuddly" for "fat" , and maybe "homely" for "ugly" ).

Teachers, for example, may speak of less able students. But that's just because sometimes they can't avoid referring to such pupils (and it would be unprofessional to call them "stupid").

In normal conversational contexts, any reference to someone's lack of intelligence is likely to be seen as impolite and/or hurtful, so it's probably best avoided unless you intend to be disparaging.

OP might feasibly get away with uncomplicated , (or perhaps slow, simple, naive ), but generally speaking such terms will be recognised for what they are (euphemisms) - so again, best avoided.

One common approach is to "soften" the label with humour. For example, you can say someone's...

one sandwich short of a picnic (a few clowns short of a circus, etc.) not playing with a full deck (of cards, similar construction to above) thick as a brick (...two short planks, ...shit, etc.)

EDIT: Following OP's later comment, it's apparent he wants a friendly/affectionate term by which to address his friend, who's showing a lack of understanding in some particular context . That's not really the same thing as trying to explain to others that your friend is significantly less intelligent than the average.

I suggest suitable phrasing in OP's context would be something slightly "whimsical", such as...

"Oh, you're such a ninny / noodle / nincompoop / etc. ! Anyone can see she's madly in love with you!"

• 1 I really like noodle . It's even listed in my dictionary as informal: a stupid or silly person , yet it sounds like it would be "soft on the ego" – almost affectionate, even. –  J.R. Commented Jul 3, 2012 at 9:42
• 3 You think of cuddly as related to pudgy ? Really? I’ve never heard of such a thing. –  tchrist ♦ Commented Jul 22, 2012 at 0:57
• @tchrist: I personally would never admit to scanning the Lonely Hearts section in newspapers - but I have a friend who does, and he assures me that women there describe themselves as cuddly and vivacious when they mean fat slag . –  FumbleFingers Commented Jul 22, 2012 at 12:08

"silly," "goof," or "dork" all work in casual/flirtatious conversation.

• 5 None of these mean stupid, or even close to it... –  NominSim Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 18:41
• 4 @NominSim maybe not without context, but i think any of those words implies the same thing that "stupid" (or "stupid guy") does in the OP's follow-up comment. No? –  Charles Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 19:08
• I agree that they could be used in a casual/flirtatious conversation, however the OP seems to be looking specifically for a way to tell the person they are stupid. Considering from the comments that the "stupid" person in question is already showing a lack of understanding of social conventions, they may not get the implication. If you add something like naive to your answer I would be more than happy to switch my vote. :) –  NominSim Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 19:11
• @NominSim: silly does, at least so says the dictionary... Naïve on the other hand is more "credulous" than "stupid". –  nico Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 20:11
• 1 @NominSim: I may not call these synonyms for "stupid", either, but I still think there is plenty of overlap in certain contexts. E.g., I can think of circumstances where "That was a stupid thing to say" and "That was a silly thing to say" could both be used. Same for, "Don't be stupid!" vs. "Don't be a goof!" ; or, "That makes you look stupid" vs. "That makes you look like a dork." –  J.R. Commented Jul 3, 2012 at 9:39

I am morally obligated to nominate my usual term for the purpose, adorkable (a portmanteau of adorable and dorky ).

Calling someone a goofball is similar and less neologistic, if a bit antiquated.

• 3 It's been a while since I've used adorkable . I now feel obliged to use it next time my SO does something adorkable ;) –  Wayne Werner Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 18:29
• “doofus” may be similar. –  Scott - Слава Україні Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 14:28

A word that is often used in this context in British English is dope or dopey e.g. 'you dopey old thing!' - affectionate but not too unkind.

• Came here to offer this! –  GreenAsJade Commented Nov 27, 2015 at 11:39

I'd go for the simple "daft".

I've never once, that I recall, known anybody say or take it as offensive or insulting. It's very common too.

Don't be daft! She clearly loves you. Oh, you're such a dafty! How can you not see that? Dave? He's as daft as a ship's cat!

In that situation, you could use almost anything.

I can imagine saying something like "Oh, you mushroom! " or something similarly nonsensical.

Said in the right tone and the right context, numpty might serve. It is Scottish in origin, and the OED defines the adjective ‘as stupid, foolish, idiotic’. However, the first definition in the Urban Dictionary seems to strike the right note:

a) Someone who (sometimes unwittingly) by speech or action demonstrates a lack of knowledge or misconception of a particular subject or situation to the amusement of others. b) A good humoured admonition, a term of endearment c) A reckless, absent minded or unwise person

• What about you are such a dork ? –  Noah Commented Jul 3, 2012 at 1:00

It is not used that much by English speakers these days, but the word that fits best (especially for the romantic scenario as in fool for love or lovefool ) is probably fool which means a person who lacks wisdom as opposed to one who lacks intelligence.

• Really? I think fool is offensive if I tell my girlfriend "Oh, you fool !"? –  Luke Vo Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 16:00
• 2 @W.N. Like many words, fool can be positive or negative depending on the context. When employed in the positive, it is often in a romanticized or nostalgic context. E.g., I'm a fool for you , or an old fool such as I . –  HaL Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 16:06
• @W.N., also in regards to the classic fool in the form of a court-jester. –  Synetech Commented Jul 2, 2012 at 16:25
• 2 In English, "stupid" is considered much more insulting than "fool". –  Synetech Commented Jul 9, 2012 at 19:26

I would use the word naive.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/naive To me it means, the person is not stupid, he/she is just 'inexperience in the field', or he/she is just 'unsuspecting' or 'credulous'.

I'm hard-pressed to think of a POSITIVE word for "stupid". How could being stupid be a good thing? (Well, it might be good for me for someone else to be stupid, so that I can defeat him in some competition or take advantage of him, but it's not good for him.)

The closest to a postive word that I can think of is "simple". Like you might say, "Yeah, yeah, you have all these complex arguments, but I'm a simple guy, it just seems to me that ..." "Simple" is sometimes used when you want to say that another person is being too clever, perhaps making something more complicated than it needs to be, or is trying to fool others by using fancy language to cover up a fallacy.

A common euphemism is "slow". As in, "We'll be offerring tutoring sessions to help the slow students pass this class." When I was in school it was common to talk about the smart kids as "gifted students" and the dumb kids as "slow students". I don't know if these terms are still common.

Another euphemism was that class for less-smart kids were called "special education", and so the kids were called "special".

You could use "silly" or "cute" in some contexts.

But in general, I'd avoid looking for any word that means anything remotely like "stupid" if you're trying to keep a conversation friendly. Maybe there's a word in Spanish that would be perceived in a friendly way, but I don't think there's such a word in English. You can try to make it less offensive by using euphemisms, but it's still an insult.

Referring to someone as dozy isn't particularly offensive, nor does it necessarily imply a continued state of being. Instead, it describes them as not being less than attentive, slow at responding to the task at hand or perhaps lazy. Could it be construed as cute? In the context of being slow to catch-on, then certainly, it could be used as a temporary term of endearment. Nevertheless, continued use could be seen as being increasingly offensive.

"Goob". It hearkens to Goober from the Andy Griffith Show, who was a loveable, yet dim-witted, character. No one I have ever called this took it offensively.

How about " duffer ". It sounds cutesy, and it plays off someone's incompetence in a playful manner. See listing 2 in Merriam-Webster .

I prefer "knucklehead" for endearingly stating someone is stupid.

I've always liked:

• 'Silly Sausage'

Those are mainly Northern English (UK) terms afaik.

Maybe 'Nobby' too, but that's slightly offensive.

In San Francisco for a while people used to say "silly-boy" or "silly-girl," - or "silly-me," quickly, almost as one word. Prefacing with silly- or little- might take away some of sting. In Spanish, with its infinite degrees of diminutivization, you can make tonto become tontuello , "little clown" to call someone you're fond of.

There's also -head , as in lazyhead or puzzlehead or bonehead ...

The least offensive way to express that someone is a bit slow on the uptake is to call them simple . It’s a lot less negative and judgemental than the rest of them come off sounding.

Just don’t move on to calling them a simpleton , because that one’s back in negative territory.

Simple also provides for plausible deniability should offence be taken where none is intended. That’s because although you mean the word in the OED2’s sense 9b . . .

9. Deficient in knowledge or learning; characterized by a certain lack of acuteness or quick apprehension: a. of persons or animals b. of mental powers

. . . you can always backpeddle if need be, falling back on gentler senses, such as:

Free from duplicity, dissimulation, or guile; innocent and harmless; undesigning, honest, open, straightforward. Free from, devoid of, pride, ostentation, or display; humble, unpretentious. a. Free from elaboration or artificiality; artless, unaffected; plain, unadorned. b. Of persons: Free from over-refinement, unsophisticated, unspoiled.

Aren’t those — um, convenient? There are other senses of simple that are less complimentary, but having complimentary ones to fall back to in case of social missteps is especially convenient. That way even though you might actually means simple as in stupid, you could if pressed fall back to simple meaning honest and humble, unpretentious and unsophisticated.

Seems like a win to me — at least if you’re looking to be inoffensive.

Minimally exceptional, is good because it is funny. I first heard George Carlin use it.

I have realized, if you have a southern accent, you can get by with some outrageous insults by preceding or following it with "bless his/her heart". Here is an example. "He means well, but if his brains was put on the head of a pin, they'd roll around like a marble on a freeway." I don't know if that answers your question, but it sure seems to dilute an awful lot of derogatory or offensive language.

• 1 Note the tag single-word-requests . –  Luke_0 Commented Jul 30, 2012 at 23:13
• @luke blesshisheart? –  J. Walker Commented Jul 30, 2012 at 23:16

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'Dunderhead' and Other ‘Nicer’ Ways to Say Stupid

Dunderheaded

Definition: being a dunderhead

What is a dunder , and why do we use this word to insult people in a somewhat mild fashion? Alas, this is but one more unknowable in a long line of things that etymology has not yet figured out. It may come from the Dutch word for “thunder” ( donder ), but no one is sure about that. What we are sure about is that there are a great number of words for “stupid” or “stupid person” ending in - headed or head . A partial list includes the following: airhead , beefheaded , beetleheaded , blockhead , bonehead , bullhead , bubblehead , buffle-headed , butthead , chucklehead , deadhead , fathead , flathead , hammerhead , heavy-headed , idleheaded , ironhead , jolt-headed , jughead , knucklehead , loggerheaded , lunkhead , meathead , muddlehead , pinhead , pinheaded , ramhead , saphead , sheepheaded , sheepshead , thickhead , and wooden-headed .

Thus I pass away the time, and this lulls me on to drudge on the end of the Chapter with this Dunderheaded Master of mine, who to my knowledge is more a Madman than a Knight. — Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote (anon. trans.), 1703

Definition: stupid, silly

Here we have a lovely example of a word which began its life (in our language, at least) with a figurative meaning, and only took on a literal one after more than a century of use. Anserine comes from the Latin anser , meaning "goose." The word is indeed used on occasion to mean "resembling a goose," but the 'silly as a goose' sense preceded this by a considerable length of time.

I am not of such anserin stupidity, but that I could make as ignominions at reorsion upon my adversary. — John Menzies, Roma Mendax , 1675

Definition: a stupid, slow-witted, or obtuse person

The original meaning of blinkard was “one that blinks with or as if with weak eyes,” which soon added the pejorative meaning listed above. If you are a person who blinks often please accept our apologies for the English language, which can on occasion be needlessly cruel.

Poore foolish Blinkard, Beads-man vnto Christ, For restitution of long lacked sight, I maruaile what they fancie so inticte, To be desirous of this lothsome light? — Samuel Nicholson, Acolastus his After-witte , 1600

Definition: complete or utter ignorance

Ignoration is not just a fancified word for "ignorance," but also refers specifically to "an act or action of ignoring."

I haue compleyned before of the ignorance of Greik, & Latine tounges, the Ignoration whereof, no doute, hes moued vs a great part of this busines, specialie hauing to do with men that vnderstandeth not the proprietie of them. — George Hay, The Confutation of the Abbote of Crosraguels Masse , 1563

Definition: stupid and confused, mixed up, or eccentric

The pate portion of addlepated comes from an older word for "head," in use since Middle English, and of uncertain origin. The addle portion may be traced back to the Old English word adela , meaning “filth, filthy or foul-smelling place.” As an adjective addle first had the meaning of “foul smelling and putrid” (specifically said of an egg), and later came to mean “confused or muddled.”

Those who belong to Madam Luna, as Hawkers of Almanacks and Pamphlets, Huntsmen, Ostridge-Catchers, Falkoners, Couriers, Salt-carriers, Lunaticks, Maggotty Fools, Crackbrain'd Coxcombs, Addle|pated Frantic Wights, Giddy Whimsical Foplings, Exchange-Brokers, Post-boys, Footboys, Tennis Court-keepers-Boys, Glassmongers, Light-horse, Watermen, Mariners, Messengers, Rakers and Glea|ners, will not long stay in a place this year. — François Rabelais, The Fifth Book of the Works of Francis Rabelis (trans. by P. M.), 1694

Definition: exhibiting or characterized by nescience: ignorant, agnostic

Nescient , science , and omniscient (“having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight”) all share a root: each comes in part from the Latin word scire , meaning “to know.” Nescience , then, is "lack of knowledge or awareness."

True it is that he offends more hainously, that sins through knowledge, then he that slips through Ignorance: but we may not therefore flie to Ignorance for an excuse: for 'tis one thing to be [H] nescient, ano|ther to be wilfully Ignorant. — Robert Dyer, The Christian's Theorico-Practicon , 1633

Definition: an act of foolishness or stupidity

Bêtise came to English from the French word bête , which has the meaning in that language of "idiot," or, more literally, "beast" (the literal meaning of bête is the one found in the term bête noire ). In addition to an act of stupidity, bêtise may refer to stupidity or ignorance in general.

"I assure you," said she "I was only tormenting you a little, and you must own you deserve that; but you can't suppose I meant half what I said; that is a bêtise I can't conceive you guilty of.” — Susan Ferrier, Marriage 1818

Definition: slow of mind : obtuse

Okay, fine. Why try to improve on a classic?

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| | | | | | | My Wordlists Legacy activities       Wordsmyth     Standard   Lookup History stupider, stupidest dull or slow in intellect, wit, awareness, or the like. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , showing or resulting from slow intellect or lack of understanding. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , dazed, shocked, or stupefied. , , , , , , , pointless or senseless; foolish. , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Subscriber feature stupidly (adv.), stupidness (n.) See   Subscribe for ad-free Wordsmyth and more Synonyms for Stupid person 657 other terms for stupid person - words and phrases with similar meaning. The word ‘stupid’ Today’s episode was inspired by an All Ears English listener. Here is the question: Hi Lindsay! First, thank you for your helpful and interesting podcasts. I love them. I have a question. Maybe you find it very strange, sorry for that. Is the word ‘stupid’ offensive in English? I ask this because I live in Mexico. Here if you call someone ‘stupido’ it’s very offensive. Could you please explain how it works in English and give some synonyms that are not so offensive. Thank you! Have a nice one. – Irina Tar Definitely, the word ‘stupid’ is offensive, especially if you’re directing it at someone. Some may use it to describe systems such as bureaucracy. But there are other words you can use that are less offensive. You can listen to a previous related episode AEE 1886: Four Phrases to Avoid Being Dismissive in English. This episode will prevent you from making the mistake of being offensive and breaking a connection. The harm of offensive words The word ‘stupid’ is defined in the dictionary as having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense. Here is an example from the dictionary: Apprehension was numbing her brain and making her stupid. Many people are guilty of using this word. It’s very informal but it is rude . There is an article from Harvard Business Review written by Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar that shares why there are some words you shouldn’t use and what these words are. The title is “Why You Need to Stop Using These Words and Phrases.” From the article, if someone says something you disagree with, don’t say they are ‘stupid’, ‘insane’, ‘crazy’, ‘lame’, or ‘dumb.’ If you do this, you have, whether unknowingly or not, participated in spreading ableist language. What is ableism? Ableism is defined as discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. It can manifest as an attitude, stereotype, or outright offensive comment or behavior. When it comes to language, ableism often shows up as metaphors, jokes, and euphemisms . You may be surprised to learn that your response was a form of discrimination. People use ableist words and phrases every day without realizing the harm they do. Calling someone ‘stupid’ to insult their intelligence is ableism. Alternatives to ‘stupid’ When learning a new language, you have to be aware of what words might offend the person you’re talking to. Using ‘stupid’ is offensive and there are many other words or phrases you can use. These alternatives express that something is wrong or you don’t like a certain point of view. In this episode we provide 3 better options. #1: Ridiculous Example: The bureaucracy is ridiculous. That’s ridiculous! #2: “I disagree” Example: I disagree with what you said. #3: “That was _ ____ remark.” Example: That was not an intelligent remark. That was not a well-thought-out remark. The following roleplay will help you better understand how to use alternative words to ‘stupid’. In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle are friends who are complaining about a waitress. Lindsay: Why did she just say that? Michelle: I don’t know. Maybe she thought you didn’t like your food? Lindsay: That’s ridiculous. Michelle: Yeah that was not an intelligent remark. There are nicer ways to call out things we don’t like. We should focus on making positive connections and not spreading hate and negativity. Some words can be offensive and we should avoid them. You should be careful and assess your thoughts and the words you use before starting a conversation. You wouldn’t want to break a connection because you used the wrong word and have offended someone. Language is ever-evolving just like our times and we should adapt to the changes and shift our mindset. Words are powerful, so you should use them wisely. What do you think of today’s episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Get Your Transcripts Today! Make sure you understand every word you hear on All Ears English. Bring your English to the advanced level with new vocabulary and natural expressions. Subscribe and get the transcripts delivered by email. Learn to speak naturally with the American accent. Related Posts English Speaking Videos Video Lesson! How to Politely Ask for a Favor in English English Phrasal Verbs English Expressions Business English American Culture AEE 618: What Does It Mean to Be “Square” and the Rise of the Nerd Aee 773: ouch what to say when you stub your toe (without swearing) in english. Privacy Overview ‘I Don’t Mean To Call You Stupid, But’: Tucker Utterly Stumps Reporter By Simply Asking For A Citation [Screenshot/Tucker Carlson Network] Daily Caller co-founder Tucker Carlson utterly stumped a reporter by simply asking for a citation after she accused him of promoting The Great Replacement Theory. Carlson denied a reporter’s accusation that he argued immigrants are replacing white people in the United States, Australia and Europe. “Have I said that whites are being replaced?” he asked. “I don’t think I said that.” “Well, it’s been mentioned on your show 4,000 times,” the reporter said. “Really? When did I say that?” Carlson pressed. “On your show,” the reporter claimed. “I said whites are being replaced? … Really? I would challenge you to cite that because I’m pretty sure I haven’t said that. I said native-born Americans are being replaced, including blacks,” he said. Tucker Utterly Stumps Reporter By Simply Asking For A Citation pic.twitter.com/DwgKMgMTfB — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 26, 2024 “Native-born Americans,” the reporter repeated. “Native-born Americans. Americans who’ve, like black Americans, have been, African-Americans, have been in the United States for, in many cases, their families, over 400 years. And their concerns are every bit as real and valid and alive to me as the concerns of white people whose families have been there for 400 years. So I’ve never said that whites are being replaced. Not one time, and you can’t cite it.” The reporter attempted to refute his answer by arguing he had pushed The Great Replacement Theory. Carlson argued the reporter cannot even cite a single moment he had allegedly said that. “You actually can’t cite it because I didn’t say it, and I don’t believe it. And I’m telling you that to your face, so why don’t you just accept me at face value? My concern is that the people who are born in the country are in the main responsibility of its leaders, and as I noted earlier, when those leaders shift their concerns for the people it is their responsibility to take care of to people around the world, to put their priorities above that of their own citizens, that’s immoral. And they are being replaced in my country, people born in the United States, and the birth rate tells the whole story.” Carlson argued the U.S. is importing people around the world to take the jobs that could be given to American citizens by fixing the economy, telling the reporter it is her “problem” if she believes his view is racist. “I never called you a racist,” she hit back. (RELATED: Ben Smith Asks Tucker Carlson If He’s Racist. He Responds With Just 4 Words) “But of course, you are suggesting —” he began. “And I must say, one of the reasons people don’t like people like you in the media is that you never just say exactly what you mean. Your slurs are all by implication, and you’re about to tell me, oh, The Great Replacement Theory is racist and antisemitic, whatever. I’ve said what I’ve said to you right now like 100 times in public … The whole point of your question was to be like, you’re a scary racist, and my response is, no I’m not.” The reporter claimed his argument encouraged the mass shooter who killed 10 people in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York in May 2022. “Oh God, come on,” Carlson responded. “Do you know what I mean?” “It’s inspired one of the worst Australian —” she continued. “How do you get people this stupid in the media? I guess it doesn’t pay well. Look, I’m sorry. I’ve lived among people too long. I don’t mean to call you stupid — maybe you’re just pretending to be, but I’m totally against violence,” he said, adding that he hates the war in Ukraine and mass shootings. The Daily Caller co-founder said his arguments are rooted by his “deep concerns for Americans.” He shamed the reporter to her face for associating Carlson with the Buffalo shooter. The reporter then asked Carlson whether he supports gun control, leading the Daily Caller co-founder to say he opposes the disarming of “law-abiding” citizens. She then asked if Carlson felt any responsibility for “hate crimes” in the U.S., prompting laughter from Carlson and the audience. Watch the full interaction here: Meet the Australian media. pic.twitter.com/IyiEqihPkb — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) June 26, 2024 PREMIUM ARTICLE: Subscribe To Keep Reading Continue Reading Already have an account? Login By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use Advertisement Supported by How Britain’s Labour Party Became Electable Again In less than five years, the opposition Labour Party has gone from massive defeat to the favorite to win next month’s election. How did they do it? Share full article By Mark Landler Reporting from London Two weeks before an election that is expected to catapult him into 10 Downing Street, the leader of Britain’s Labour Party, Keir Starmer, is tiptoeing on the campaign trail, the latest practitioner of the “Ming vase strategy.” The phrase, which refers to a politician gingerly avoiding slips to protect a lead in the polls, is credited to Roy Jenkins, a more freewheeling British politician, who likened a previous Labour candidate, Tony Blair, on the eve of his 1997 landslide, to a man “carrying a priceless Ming vase across a highly polished floor.” In truth, Mr. Starmer has been carrying the vase for a lot longer than this six-week campaign. He has nursed his party’s double-digit polling lead for more than 18 months, methodically repositioning Labour as a credible center-left alternative to the divided, erratic, sometimes extremist Conservatives. It’s the culmination of an extraordinary four-year project , in which Mr. Starmer, 61, purged his left-wing predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, and his loyalists; went after the anti-Semitism that had contaminated the party’s ranks; and pulled its economic and national security policies closer to the center. “When he first became leader in 2020, he made it his business to take away all the negatives that prevented people from voting Labour in 2019,” said Steven Fielding, an emeritus professor of political history at the University of Nottingham. As a result, “He’s been able to expand the pool of voters.” Robert Ford, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said, “Four years ago, Keir Starmer was basically offering Corbynism with a human face — and he’s ditched all that. He’s moved to the center because the incentives have moved there, and the audience has moved there.” We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber?  Log in . Want all of The Times?  Subscribe . 'Babbling' and 'hoarse': Biden's debate performance sends Democrats into a panic ATLANTA — President Joe Biden was supposed to put the nation’s mind at ease over his physical and mental capacity with his debate showing Thursday night.  But from the onset of the debate, Biden, 81, seemingly struggled even to talk, mostly summoning a weak, raspy voice. In the opening minutes, he repeatedly tripped over his words, misspoke and lost his train of thought.   In one of the most notable moments, Biden ended a rambling statement that lacked focus by saying, “We finally beat Medicare,” before moderators cut him off and transitioned back to former President Donald Trump.  While Biden warmed up and gained more of a rhythm as the debate progressed, he struggled to land a punch against Trump, much less fact-check everything Trump said as he unleashed a torrent of bad information. Trump also pounced on Biden, saying at one point that he didn’t understand what Biden had just said with regard to the border.  “I don’t know if he knows what he said, either,” Trump said.    Nearly an hour into the debate, a Biden aide and others familiar with his situation offered up an explanation for his hoarseness: He has a cold. But there were problems aside from the shakiness of Biden's voice. When he wasn't talking, he often stared off into the distance. Trump frequently steamrolled over Biden, accusing him of being a criminal and of peddling misinformation — many times without a response from Biden, though he did fire back with a handful of one-liners throughout. The Biden campaign acknowledged that the debate would be a critical moment in the election, with officials hoping it could shake up the race to his benefit. Most polls have found the race to be neck and neck, with razor-thin margins that have moved negligibly for months, even after a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts .  Questions about Biden’s age and frailty have dragged down his polling numbers for months. The public concerns are exacerbated by deceptively edited videos , some of which have gone viral, that cut off relevant parts of an event, making it appear as if Biden is wandering or confused. This was Biden’s first opportunity since the State of the Union speech to dispel that narrative.  Instead of a new beginning, many Democrats saw it as a moment for panic.  “Democrats just committed collective suicide,” said a party strategist who has worked on presidential campaigns. “Biden sounds hoarse, looks tired and is babbling. He is reaffirming everything voters already perceived. President Biden can’t win. This debate is a nail in the political coffin.”  “It’s hard to argue that we shouldn’t nominate someone else,” a Democratic consultant who works on down-ballot races said.  Biden did ramp up as the debate progressed.  “Only one of us is a convicted felon, and I’m looking at him,” Biden said to Trump. That was one moment that tested particularly well in the Biden campaign's internal real-time polling at the time of the debate, according to a person familiar with the polling.  An aide said that it was “not an ideal start” for Biden at the beginning of the debate but that there was “no mass panic” at the campaign headquarters in Delaware. The muting of the candidates' microphones at the debate, a stipulation both campaigns agreed to before the debate, added a new dimension to the faceoff. The first Biden-Trump match-up in 2020 was marked by repeated interruptions by Trump, leading to moments of frustration for Biden. “Will you shut up, man?” Biden complained at that first Cleveland debate.  Reaction pours in “I’m thinking the Democrats are thinking about who the Barry Goldwater is who can walk in tomorrow and tell the president he needs to step aside,” said Ben Proto, chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party. In 1974, after key Watergate tapes were made public, Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz., went to see President Richard Nixon alongside other prominent lawmakers, telling Nixon that he would be convicted by the Senate and that he should step aside — which he did. Biden’s campaign defended his performance, saying he offered a “positive and winning vision” for America. “On the other side of the stage was Donald Trump, who offered a dark and backwards window into what America will look like if he steps foot back in the White House: a country where women are forced to beg for the health care they need to stay alive. A country that puts the interests of billionaires over working people,” Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement. “And a former president who not once, not twice, but three times, failed to promise he would accept the results of a free and fair election this November.” Some Democrats also defended Biden presidency more broadly after the debate, pointing to his policies over Trump's. "One thing this debate won’t change is Trump’s base instinct to sell out anyone to make a quick buck or put his own image on a steak, golf course or even the Holy Bible," said Brandon Weathersby, a spokesman with the pro-Biden American Bridge 21st Century super PAC. "Trump puts himself first every time, and that won’t change if he becomes president again." Trump, meanwhile, has fended off his own questions over whether he’s diminished by age, including his struggles to stay on topic and his meandering when he’s speaking . Biden has posited that Trump “snapped” after his 2020 election loss and is unstable, which he aired again Thursday night. Trump often gave his typical rambling responses and seemed at times to make up factoids and figures. “During my four years, I had the best environmental numbers ever, and my top environmental people gave me that statistic just before I walked on the stage, actually,” Trump said. Trump also said he would lower insulin prices for seniors, but it was Biden who signed legislation in 2022 that lowered out-of-pocket costs for people on Medicare to $35 a month and covered all insulin products.  Setting the stage for the fall The first debate during the 2020 election cycle was in early September, meaning the first 2024 general election debate was significantly earlier than usual — more than two months ahead of Labor Day, which is often seen as the point when most voters start to pay attention to presidential contests. “Debates move numbers,” said Matt Gorman, a longtime Republican strategist who worked for presidential campaign of Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. “And with this so early — and the next one not until September — you’re stuck with the narrative for four long months. “And one and the other’s performance will set the tone for the next one,” he added. For months, Trump’s team has been hammering Biden’s mental acuity, a strategy that is at odds with how campaigns generally handle the lead-up to debates, when they try to build up opponents as deft debaters to set expectations. The expectations for Biden were low, and by almost all estimates he was unable to clear them. “Biden just had to beat himself; unfortunately the stumbling and diminished Joe Biden the world has come to know made Trump look competent and energetic,” said a former Trump campaign official who isn’t working for his campaign this year. “I expect there will be some loud calls from Democrats for a change on the top of the ticket.” “The floor for Biden was so low,” the person added. “After Biden’s debate performance, it seems the floor is 6 feet under.” The 90-minute debate hit on a wide variety of topics, but many of the most dominant themes were centered on those that have been most prominent on the campaign trail over the past few months. Trump hit Biden on two big policy fights that have stubbornly dogged his campaign: immigration and inflation.  Since Biden took office, 15 million jobs have been created and the unemployment rate sits at a relatively low 4%, but prices for consumer goods have remained high, and they provided a consistent line of attack from the Trump campaign and Republicans more broadly. In one heated exchange, Trump point-blank said “he caused the inflation.” Biden said in response there was less inflation under Trump because he tanked the economy.  “There was no inflation when I came into office,” Biden said before that rejoinder — a quote Republicans quickly used as evidence that all of the current price hikes happened on Biden’s watch. Trump continued to attack Biden over his border policies, which his campaign has used as one of its biggest lines of attack throughout the campaign. That often including amplifying each time an undocumented migrant commits a crime even though the data doesn’t support the idea of a migrant crime wave . “ We have a border that is the most dangerous place anywhere in the world,” Trump said. Earlier this year, Trump used his influence over congressional Republicans to block a bipartisan border deal that Biden supported. Biden also tried to land a punch about Jan. 6, trying to build on the oft-discussed idea that Trump’s returning to the White House would be a threat to democracy. “He encouraged those folks to go up to Capitol Hill,” Biden said. “He sat there for three hours being begged by his vice president and many colleagues on the Republican side to do something.” Trump deflected, arguing the Biden should be “ashamed” for arresting those who participated in the attempted insurrection.  Natasha Korecki is a senior national political reporter for NBC News. Matt Dixon is a senior national politics reporter for NBC News, based in Florida. Jonathan Allen is a senior national politics reporter for NBC News, based in Washington. Get the Reddit app Ask away! Disclaimer: This is an anonymous forum so answers may not be correct when writing an essay, do all body paragraphs need to be equal in length? Some people are ignorant and proud of it. Ron DeSantis is one of those people. The man recently vetoed almost every pitiful penny of arts and culture funding in the state budget. Museums, music, youth programs, treasures such as Tallahassee’s Young Actor’s Theater — which trained stars like Alison Miller of “King,” Cheryl Hines of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and Tony Hale of “Veep” — historic houses, Black heritage centers, performing arts spaces, dance companies, kids’ music programs, even renowned institutions such as the Ringling Museum of Art, one of the few places in Florida where visitors can see works by Old Masters such as Veronese, Rubens and Poussin. With his characteristic eloquence, DeSantis snarled, “Some of the stuff I don’t think was appropriate for state tax dollars.” (The man has few friends, and words are not among them). This latest show of temper is probably because art and culture are “stuff” he thinks liberals like, “stuff” he’s incapable of comprehending. Ergo, bad “stuff.” The Legislature’s 2024 budget was worth $117.5 billion and included money for the arts. But DeSantis, determined to demonstrate what a fiscal badass he is, nixed a billion bucks that would have aided programs for the homeless, opioid use prevention, free sanitary products for Florida schools and food banks, as well as runoff and sewage treatment. You’d think after the pollution disasters of Piney Point, a shed-load of excrement discharged into Tampa Bay and the recent fierce flooding in Broward County, he’d take our water issues seriously. So-called Pregnancy Crisis Centers , pro-birth proselytizing outfits set up to bully young women into having babies they can’t take care of and don’t want, got $25 million in public cash. What literate folks think of culture, however, got the veto machete: $32 million cut. That’s a lot of money to you or me but, spread around the third largest state in the union, it’s what professional economists call minuscule, desultory, sofa change. A few things survived DeSantis’ attack on mind enrichment: $5 million for a Holocaust museum in Orlando, $750,000 for preserving oral histories of Holocaust survivors, $250,000 for the Civil Rights Museum in St. Augustine. Fine, but insultingly meager. Economically stupid , too. The state’s own data show the arts bring in $5.8 billion a year. Theaters, museums, orchestras and the like provide jobs and pump money into the community: One dollar spent on the arts generates $9 for local businesses. Spend your days with Hayes Subscribe to our free Stephinitely newsletter You’re all signed up! Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. DeSantis doesn’t care. He’s driven by spite, pique and a MAGA-ty determination to destroy. Have you ever heard the man talk about music he likes or books he enjoys or any kind of aesthetic experience at all? Every summer former President Barack Obama puts out lists of books and songs he loves, evidence of an active, elastic intelligence taking in everything from serious sociology (Matthew Desmond’s “Poverty, by America”) to thrillers by Dennis Lehane to Bad Bunny’s baddest reggaeton. It’s impossible to imagine Ron DeSantis doing anything like this. He seems to have no inner life, no curiosity, no desire to learn, no passion for anything other than power. And maybe baseball. Ronbo and Lady Macbeth flew to Omaha on a state-owned corporate jet to watch some of the College World Series. You, Florida taxpayer, footed that bill. Hall of Fame No governor in Florida history has chosen to wreck one of our most important industries. No other governor has been so aggressive in tearing down what’s taken generations to build up. Florida used to be better. In 1976, the Legislature commissioned James Rosenquist, one of the nation’s most important artists, to create witty murals for the new Capitol building. (Don’t tell DeSantis: He’ll probably want to whitewash them). Ten years later, the Legislature established the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, honoring the likes of playwright Tennessee Williams, master funkster George Clinton, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and filmmaker Victor Nuñez, among others. Gov. Bob Graham loved meeting novelists like Carl Hiaasen and Bob Shacochis and hanging out with Jimmy Buffet . Even during the late, unlamented administration of Rick Scott, the Governor’s Mansion hosted the Florida Book Awards ceremony. Ann Scott, like many first ladies before her, promoted reading as a positive good. The current holder of that title shows no interest in culture. Sinister project DeSantis’ attack on arts funding is part of a larger, more sinister project to erase anything that might inspire us to question our assumptions, interrogate our history, critique our society or imagine what it’s like to be someone whose race or ethnicity or religion or sexuality is different from ours. Look at what he’s doing to our schools, unleashing on them the chowder-headed Moms for Liberty to push banning any book not in service of white supremacy. Look what he’s doing to our universities: The once highly regarded New College is now a smoking ruin , transformed by DeSantis into a third-rate Bible college stocked with scholarship baseball players and losing faculty fast. The University of Florida College of Medicine was not only forced to hire Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s vaccine-hating quack of a surgeon general, but to give him tenure and pay him six figures, even though he never teaches any classes. Now lawyers for the state (you’re paying for those, too) are trying to convince the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to lift the block on DeSantis’ Individual Freedom Act, also known as the Stop Woke Act, arguing (with a straight face, even) that it would be fine for DeSantis’ Education Enforcers to hand professors a script to read from in class on the grounds they must teach only “viewpoints” approved by the state: “ The professor’s speech is the government’s speech .” Viktor Orbán couldn’t put it better himself. The irredeemably petty DeSantis is scared — scared of scholars, artists and educators. When authoritarians get scared, they lash out — in this case, the effect is a bit like a cornered and angry Chihuahua. The situation should be merely comical, but the yippy little thing can bite the hell out of you and may have rabies. You can’t keep your service industry serfs numb and inured to increasing insurance rates, rising waters, government secrecy and diminished freedom (in the name of “freedom”) if they get exposed to plays or pictures that tell a different story than the one on the government’s script. Actually thinking about the world you live in pretty much guarantees dissent. Diane Roberts is an eighth-generation Floridian. This essay , reprinted under a Creative Commons license, originally appeared in the Florida Phoenix. ©2024 Florida Phoenix MORE FOR YOU Advertisement ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only. To enjoy the e-Newspaper every day, please subscribe. 184 IMAGES The Logic of Stupid People Free Essay Example Another Word for STUPID: 30 Useful Synonyms for Stupid in English Other words for stupid 40+ Ways to Say STUPID in english Sentences with Stupid, Definition and Example Sentences 27 Ways to Say STUPID in English VIDEO How to CHEAT Essay Word Counts 💀 Trying to reach the essay word requirement part 1 Is Google Making Us Stupid? Oh my word stupid but hilarious 😂😂 Key word stupid b**** #funny #halarious #funnyvideo #funnyshorts #funnymoments #funnycomedy #mother My pet was named after the word stupid 👍🙂 @SHENNU3004 COMMENTS STUPID Synonyms: 447 Similar and Opposite Words Synonyms for STUPID: dumb, slow, simple, thick, idiotic, foolish, dull, ignorant; Antonyms of STUPID: brilliant, smart, clever, intelligent, quick, bright, apt, fast 62 Synonyms & Antonyms for STUPID Find 62 different ways to say STUPID, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. 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