Addled

/ˈædəld/ adjective

Definition

Confused and unable to think clearly; (of eggs) rotten or spoiled inside.

Etymology

Past participle of 'addle' used as an adjective. The term retains both meanings from the verb: mental confusion and physical spoilage.

Kelly Says

The two meanings of 'addled' perfectly capture how the word evolved: a rotten egg's contents become a confused jumble, just like a confused mind is jumbled, making 'addled' vivid across both meanings.

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