Plural of idiot; people considered to be lacking intelligence or acting foolishly. In historical medical terminology, individuals with severe intellectual disabilities.
From Greek idiotes meaning 'private person, layman', from idios (one's own, private). Originally referred to someone who didn't participate in public affairs, evolving through Latin idiota to mean 'ignorant person' and eventually 'fool'.
The word 'idiot' originally had no negative connotation - it simply described private citizens who didn't engage in politics, as opposed to those involved in public service. The transformation from 'private person' to 'fool' reflects ancient Greek values that prioritized civic engagement.
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