Faineant

/ˌfeɪniˈɑːn/ noun

Definition

A lazy, idle person; someone who avoids work and responsibility through indolence rather than active defiance.

Etymology

From Old French 'fainéant' meaning literally 'do-nothing' (fain = do + néant = nothing). Adopted into English to describe a particular type of useless person.

Kelly Says

When the Frankish nobles used this word, being called a 'fainéant' wasn't just an insult—it was practically saying you had no business holding power because you couldn't even manage to look busy!

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