cretinism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Historical/Offensive)Technical/Medical (historical); Offensive/Pejorative (figurative)
Quick answer
What does “cretinism” mean?
A severe congenital condition caused by extreme thyroid hormone deficiency, leading to severely stunted physical and mental development.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A severe congenital condition caused by extreme thyroid hormone deficiency, leading to severely stunted physical and mental development.
A dated medical term. In highly derogatory figurative use, extreme stupidity or foolishness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally obsolete and offensive in both varieties.
Connotations
Deeply offensive, stigmatizing, archaic.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern discourse. Found only in historical medical texts or as a severe insult.
Grammar
How to Use “cretinism” in a Sentence
[Verb] cretinism (e.g., prevent, cause)[Adjective] cretinism (e.g., endemic, congenital)the cretinism of [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cretinism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diagnosis of cretinous features is now considered archaic.
American English
- The cretinous policy was widely condemned.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or specific medical contexts discussing outdated terminology. Modern papers use 'congenital hypothyroidism'.
Everyday
Not used; considered a severe insult if used figuratively.
Technical
Historical term in medicine and endocrinology, now replaced by 'congenital hypothyroidism'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cretinism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cretinism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cretinism”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'silliness'.
- Misspelling as 'cretenism'.
- Using it in modern medical or respectful contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In medical contexts, it is a historical and now offensive term replaced by 'congenital hypothyroidism'. Its figurative use as an insult is deeply offensive and should be avoided.
'Cretinism' was a specific medical diagnosis. 'Stupidity' is a general term for lack of intelligence. Using 'cretinism' to mean 'stupidity' is offensive because it equates a disability with poor judgment.
It originates from a term used to diagnose and label people with a disability, reducing them to their condition. Using it figuratively perpetuates stigma against people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Use the modern clinical term 'congenital hypothyroidism' or 'congenital iodine deficiency syndrome'.
A severe congenital condition caused by extreme thyroid hormone deficiency, leading to severely stunted physical and mental development.
Cretinism is usually technical/medical (historical); offensive/pejorative (figurative) in register.
Cretinism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkret.ɪ.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkriː.t̬ən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CRETIN' (an old term for a person with the condition) + '-ISM' (a condition or state). Link it to a historical lack of iodine in the diet causing the condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
STUPIDITY IS A DISEASE / STUPIDITY IS A PHYSICAL DEFECT (Both are highly offensive conceptualizations).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'cretinism' be found in a modern, respectful text?