Dictionary

moronicism en · NOUN

Etymology

From moronic + -ism.

Meanings

1. (informal, uncountable) The quality of being moronic.
   • Gracie has a perennial act, and it involves the utmost in stupidity if not moronicism. She says dopier and more stupid things than any of us, thinking realistically, consider possible in a human being. 1963, Robert Warren Kent, “Applied Psychology”, in The Art of Persuasion: A Training Course, Guide and Manual for Those Whose Business, Professional, Social or Political Activities Include the Use of Words in the Persuasion of Others, Brookline, Mass.: Lee Institute, →LCCN, →OCLC, pages 167–168:
   • Additionally, these girls, because of their moronicism coupled with their ignorance of America and its language, were easily intimidated. They knew nothing of the law, and accepted as gospel the assertions made and stressed by the brothel-keepers that any attempt to escape would inevitably lead to their arrest and imprisonment. 1954, George Ryley Scott, “Historical Aspects of Prostitution in the United States of America”, in A History of Prostitution from Antiquity to the Present Day, revised edition, London: Torchstream Books, →OCLC, page 115:
   • Beer drinkers need to piss more than spirit drinkers do, so it’s easier for them to monitor their descent into chronic moronicism than the lush at the bar who’s necked three quarters of a bottle of Jack Daniels without needing to take a single piss. 2002, Mark Manning, “Dog Boy”, in Collateral Damage: The Zodiac Mindwarp American Tour Diaries, [London]: Creation Books, →ISBN, page 18:
   • A male Beatrice Fairfax, an orgy of moronicism and probably possesses as many listeners within its area as anything else on the air. 1933 February 21, Sid [pseudonym; Sidne Silverman], “‘Voice of Experience’”, in Variety, volume 109, number 11, New York, N.Y.: Variety, Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 40, column 1:
2. (countable, informal) A moronic statement or action.
   • Then he noticed a piece of paper resting on the bedtable with sloppy words scrawled in black ink. Dreading what it might say, what moronicisms it might draw him into now, he picked it up. 2008, Scott Campbell, “In 916”, in Decoys: A Novel, Petal Press, →ISBN, page 141:
   • With [Ed] Gardner taking his stance at the prop bar, the “Tavern” stooges are given their successive licks at bandying their trademarked insults, malapropisms and moronicisms. 1948 June 16, Odec [pseudonym], “Strand, N. Y.”, in Variety, volume 171, number 2, New York, N.Y.: Variety, Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 48, column 3:
   • Just who are those multi-faceted multitasking maniacs murmuring monthly moronicisms? 1988 December, “Oh no! It’s them!!”, in Gordon Houghton, editor, Zzap! C64/Amiga, number 44, Ludlow, Shropshire: Newsfield, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 104:
   • Confident that Alex had not only caught my drift but answered my question with one of those mute moronicisms only guys are capable of, I placed my hand on my neckline and took a deep breath before tip-toeing around the halfopened door and pushing it shut behind me. 2012, Charles S. Viar, chapter 37, in Just Before Midnight: A Tale of Love, Romance, Treachery and Treason, Washington, D.C.: Center for Intelligence Studies Press, →ISBN, page 398:

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