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Dolt
Informal
Offensive
Grammatical Information
animacy status
human
Composition
Simple
countable
plural form
dolts
What is the origin of the term "dolt" and how is it used?
"Dolt" is an English term that dates back to the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century, used to describe a person regarded as stupid, slow, or foolish. The word likely comes from the Middle English dol, meaning dull or foolish. It has been used in literature, everyday speech, and informal criticism for centuries to label someone as mentally slow or incompetent. The term is mildly derogatory, generally more teasing or dismissive than harsh, and is rarely considered deeply offensive.
Examples
Despite repeated warnings, the dolt proceeded to touch the hot stove, resulting in a painful burn.
Lexical Tree
doltish
dolt
