The term "pithecoid idiot" refers to a person exhibiting a level of mental development similar to that of an ape. Its spelling follows the simplified phonetic alphabet, known as IPA. The first syllable "pitheco" is pronounced using a short "i" sound, followed by a "k" sound, and "oh" as in "go". The second syllable "oid" is pronounced using a long "o" and an "d" sound. Finally, the word "idiot" follows the standard English pronunciation with emphasis on the long "i" sound at the beginning.
One having an ape-like formation of the face.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pithecoid idiot" is a derogatory and offensive phrase that has no recognized etymology in the English language. It appears to be a neologism composed of two elements: "pithecoid" and "idiot".
"Pithecoid" is derived from the Greek word "pithekos", meaning ape or monkey, and the suffix "-oid", meaning "resembling" or "like". So, "pithecoid" would suggest something that resembles or is similar to an ape or monkey.
The word "idiot" has its origins in ancient Greek. The Greek word "idiotes" referred to a private citizen or someone who was not engaged in public affairs. Over time, the term evolved to carry a negative connotation, referring to someone who was lacking intelligence, common sense, or social skills.