cretin (n.) 1779, from French crétin (18c.), from Alpine dialect crestin, "a dwarfed and deformed idiot" of a type formerly found in families in the Alpine lands, a condition caused by a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones. The word is of uncertain origin. By many it has been identified with Vulgar Latin *christianus "a Christian," a generic term for "anyone," but often with a sense …

Jul 15, 2011 · The word belongs among the dialects of south-eastern France. By far the most likely derivation is from ‘Christianus’, from which the word ‘Cretin’ has evolved via ‘Crestin’. Salvioni states that 50 years earlier at Lake Maggiore the word ‘Christian’ was used to designate a cretin.

History and Etymology for cretin. French crétin, from French dialect cretin, literally, wretch, innocent victim, from Latin christianus Christian

Back before cretin meant “a stupid person,” it was a medical term for a physical deformity that came from a specific disease. Surprisingly, the root of cretin is the Swiss French word crestin, which means “Christian.” It seems that people back then wanted to remind themselves that even though cretins look unusual, they’re still humans who deserve kindness.

Aug 25, 2013 · The word “cretin” itself is derived from the Swiss French Alpine dialect word “crestin,” from the Latin word “Christianum,” which means “Christian.”