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Nitwit
Informal
Offensive
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
nitwits
What is the origin of the term "nitwit" and how is it used?
"Nitwit" appeared in English in the early 20th century, combining "nit" (something small or foolish) with "wit" to suggest a lack of intelligence. The term frames stupidity as an absence of thinking ability rather than malice. It is used in informal conversation, media, and humor to mock someone's cluelessness or poor judgment. The term is mildly to moderately derogatory but often used jokingly.
Examples
She laughed at the nitwit who fell for the prank.
