See i tryed to e-mail u but it's not working so answer my Q again and write ur id .if u don't feel save then write it to me.with the help of my Q .well thanks no one has ever be able to answer my questions ur the first one.COMPLIMENT UR SELF.
2007-03-06 02:54:45 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Greece
Indeed "idiot" etymologically derives from the Greek language as do some 20% of English words. The percentage is a lot higher in medical terms.
2007-03-07 21:51:44 · answer #1 · answered by emiliosailez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The greek word "idiotes" meaning still today "private person" derives from the adjectif "idios" = own, private.
At least in german, the word idiot still had this meaning (private person) until the 19th century.
2007-03-07 15:49:02 · answer #2 · answered by yiotadelta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand your message exactly, but just in case you are interested, the word idiot comes indeed from greek, and it means "private person", as opposed to citizen (politis). In ancient Greece democracy, being an active citizen was an important responsibility, and to be "private", not dealing with politics or the citizen's responsibilities, was an insult, hence idiot became an insult with the meaning we give it in english.
2007-03-06 12:35:57 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Furthermore to cpinatsi's reply, "idiotis" was also the person who COULD not voice an opinion; as Greeks are known for always voicing our opinions, only people with mental health problems could not do it, hence the meaning prevailing also in English...
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2007-03-07 06:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by ngiapapa 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋