2006-12-10 08:51:04 · 4 answers · asked by cp 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It's spelled "Cretin", and the etymology is uncertain. Maybe it is from "creta" (chalk) because of the pallor of the patient. This is what Wikipedia has to say about the term:
The term cretin was brought into medical use in the 18th century from an Alpine French dialect prevalent in a region where persons with such a condition were especially common (see below). It was used widely as a medical term in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but in recent decades has spread more widely in popular English as a markedly derogatory term for a hopelessly stupid person. Because of its pejorative connotations in popular speech, the term has been largely abandoned by physicians and health care workers.
The etymology of the word cretin is not known with certainty. Several hypotheses have been proposed. The most common derivation provided in English dictionaries is from the Latin Christiānum (Christian), via a medieval French dialect (compare modern French chretien). The connecting meaning between "Christian" and "cretin" is not obvious. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the translation of the Latin term into "human creature" implies that the label "Christian" is a reminder of the humanity of the afflicted, in contrast to brute beasts [1]. Other sources have suggested "Christian" refers to the inability to sin of such a person who lacks the capacity to distinguish right from wrong [2].
Other speculative etymologies have been offered:
From creta, Latin for chalk, because of the pallor of those affected.
From cretira, Grisson-Romance creature, from Latin creatus.
From cretine, French for alluvium (soil deposited by flowing water), an allusion to the suspected origin from inadequate soil.
2006-12-10 08:57:43 · answer #1 · answered by AskAsk 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
See the above answers, if it is spelled "cretin".
However, there is a famous logical paradox from ancient times in which the Cretan philosopher Epimenides says "All Cretans are liars". So among people who know about such things and are interested in them, calling somebody a "Cretan" would be an indirect way of calling him a liar.
2006-12-11 08:56:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
What is the origin of the derogatory term "Cretan"?
2015-08-18 18:51:23 · answer #3 · answered by Melida 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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I think it is, but it should not be. I don't understand why some owners feel it is derogatory to call a mutt a mutt. I call all my dogs mutts at times. As long as I pay attention to them, they don't care what I call them. I have had many beloved mutts, as well as many beloved purebreds. I will keep a dog that needs a home that fits my family regardless of mix or breed. I suppose the whole designer crap began with designer bluejeans in the 80's and snowballed from there. I suppose owning a mutt is rated as uncool as owning a pair of sneakers, instead of a pair of Reeboks, or Nikes. I never much cared what name was on my shoes as long as they fit and are comfortable, and the same with my dogs.
2016-04-01 08:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Cretan" refers to someone from the European Island of Crete. There is a biblical reference from the apostle Paul at Titus 1:12 where he is giving instructions to Titus on how to strengthen the Christian congregations there. In this verse Paul quotes one of their own. It reads "A certain one of them, their own prophet, said:"Cretans are always liars, injurious wild beasts, idle gluttons"" (NWT).
It is no wonder that today, some referred to as a Cretan is not flattered.
2013-11-08 05:10:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cretin Etymology
2016-11-13 21:44:01 · answer #6 · answered by moyle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is spelled 'cretin'.
2006-12-10 08:56:50 · answer #7 · answered by Webber 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe you mean cretin.
2006-12-10 08:56:44 · answer #8 · answered by kalusz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋