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imbécile

idiot

noun adjective am-beh-SEEL Less Common
People & Society

Usage Note

Imbécile is used both as a noun (un imbécile, an idiot) and as an adjective (c'est imbécile, that's idiotic). It is a fairly strong insult in everyday speech, slightly softer than crétin but stronger than bête. The word derives from Latin imbecillus (weak), originally a medical term before becoming a general insult.

Examples

"Ne sois pas imbécile, réfléchis avant d'agir."

Natural Translation

Don't be an idiot, think before you act.

Literal Translation

Not be not idiot, reflect before of-acting

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