What is the Difference Between Idiot and Moron

The main difference between idiot and moron is that in psychology, those who have an IQ between 0 and 25 were known as idiots, whereas those who have an IQ between 51 and 70 were known as morons.

In general, we use the words idiots and morons interchangeably. We use them to refer to people who are stupid or mentally deficient. Therefore, we can consider them as synonyms. However, there is a difference between idiot and moron in the context of psychology. It’s also important to note this distinction is not very much accepted today.

Key Areas Covered

1. History of Intelligence Quotient, Idiot, and Moron
      – Origin of IQ, Founders
2. What Does Idiot Mean
     – Definition, History, Examples 
3. What Does Moron Mean
     – Definition, History, Examples
4. Difference Between Idiot and Moron
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Idiot, IQ, Intelligence Quotient, Moron

Difference Between Idiot and Moron - Comparison Summary

History of Intelligence Quotient, Idiot, and Moron

IQ test or intelligence quotient test was developed by physician Théodore Simon and psychologist Alfred Binet in 1905. It was intended as a test to determine the intelligence level of children with special needs. However, the American eugenicist Henry Goddard popularized the concept of IQ as a way to establish grades of mental deficiency. The original scale of IQ measurement introduced by Binet has two grades: idiot and imbecile. Idiots referred to those who had a mental age of 2 or less, while imbeciles referred to those who had a mental age between 3 – 7 years.

However, Godard felt that these two grades were not enough to address the issue of mental deficiency as it did not include a grade to refer to those who had a mental age between 8 – 12 years. According to him, this group was the greatest threat to those who demonstrated a normal mental age. Therefore, he coined his own word – moron – to refer to those who showed a mental age between 8 – 12 years.

What Does Idiot Mean

In general use, we use the word idiot to refer to a stupid person. This is a very informal word. It comes from the Greek word idios, which means “private” or “one’s own.” This word has been in use since the 14th century. However, it has taken on a variety of meanings over the years, referring from “an ignorant person”, to “jester” or “professional fool.” today, we use the word idiot as a synonym for fool, dolt, or halfwit.

Idiot vs Moron

This word was used in psychology to refer to those with an IQ level between 0 and 25 and a mental age of 2. However, this classification system is not used in modern psychology.

Example Sentences with the Word Idiot

Don’t be an idiot!

That idiot tripped me.

Only an idiot would believe her words.

If you think you can go to the interview like that, you are idiot.

What Does Moron Mean

As explained above, the term moron was coined by Henry Godard in the early 20th century for the purpose of medical diagnosis. The original meaning of the word, therefore, refers to those having a mild mental deficiency. According to IQ classifications, morons referred to those who have an IQ between 51 and 70 and thus showed a mental age between 8 – 12 years. In addition, this word comes from the Greek word mōros, which means “foolish, stupid.”

Idiot and Moron - What is the difference?

However, in today’s use, we use the word moron to refer to a stupid or foolish person. Therefore, it’s a synonym of idiot.

Example Sentences with the Word Moron

He felt like a moron.

They elected a moron for the position of chairman.

She is nice, even if she acts like a moron.

Difference Between Idiot and Moron

Definition

Generally, idiot and moron refer to a stupid or foolish person. Therefore, they are synonyms.

History

The word idiot has a longer history in the language than the word moron, which came into use in the early 20th century.

In IQ Classifications

According to IQ classifications, idiots referred to those with an IQ level between 0 and 25 and a mental age of 2 while morons referred to those who have an IQ between 51 and 70 and thus showed a mental age between 8 – 12 years.

Conclusion

In general, we use the words idiots and morons interchangeably. Therefore, they are synonyms. However, there was a difference between idiot and moron in the context of psychology. According to IQ classifications, idiots referred to those with an IQ level between 0 and 25 and a mental age of 2 while morons referred to those who have an IQ between 51 and 70 and thus showed a mental age between 8 – 12 years. But this classification is no longer accepted in medicines.

Reference:

1. Kline, W. “Mental deficiency: idiot, imbecile, and moron”. Eugenicsarchive.ca.
2. “The Clinical History of ‘Moron,’ ‘Idiot,’ and ‘Imbecile‘.” Merriam-Webster.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Supid-dumb-thinking-brain-symbol” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Iq-question-thinking-brain-head” (CC0) via Pixabay

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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