Relating to ancient Boeotia or its inhabitants; sometimes used derogatorily to mean dull, stupid, or uncultured (a usage considered offensive).
From 'Boeotia' plus the adjective suffix '-ian'. In ancient times, Athenian writers stereotyped Boeotians as intellectually inferior, creating a lasting negative connotation. The term's negative usage reflects ancient cultural prejudices perpetuated in later European usage.
Try Another Word