DOTARD Meaning and
Definition
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Dotard is a noun that refers to an elderly person, usually described as weak-minded, foolish, or mentally feeble due to old age. The term originated in the 14th century from the Middle English word "doten," which means "to be foolish or confused." Dotard gained considerable attention in 2017 when it was used by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to describe then-U.S. President Donald Trump.
The term conveys the idea of someone who exhibits cognitive decline and displays signs of senility, exhibiting a lack of mental sharpness and coherence in their thoughts and actions. It often carries a derogatory tone, suggesting that the person is out of touch with reality, making absurd or nonsensical statements.
Dotard implies a state of diminished mental faculties due to advanced age, typically associated with forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty understanding or processing information. The term is typically used pejoratively to belittle or insult someone, particularly a person in power or authority.
Although originally referring to senility in general, in modern usage, dotard has become somewhat archaic. It is now primarily recognized as a less common insult or an attempt to ridicule older individuals by emphasizing their natural cognitive decline. Due to its negative and derogatory nature, dotard is generally considered disrespectful and offensive in contemporary language usage.
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• A man in the childishness of age.
• A standing tree in a state of decay.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DOTARD
Etymology of DOTARD
The word "dotard" originated in the mid-14th century and is derived from the Middle English term "doten" meaning "to be foolish" or "to dote". In Old English, "doten" had similar meanings of being silly, or mentally weak. Over time, the word evolved and took on the form "dotard" in the late 15th century, retaining its sense of senility or feebleness of mind. Nowadays, "dotard" is primarily used as a derogatory term to describe an old person who is perceived as being weak-minded or lacking intelligence.
Similar spelling words for DOTARD
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