The word “cretin” refers to a person who is considered stupid or foolish. Historically, it was used as a derogatory term for individuals with intellectual disabilities, particularly those caused by congenital conditions like cretinism, which is associated with severe hypothyroidism. However, its use in this context is now considered offensive and outdated. In contemporary usage, it is primarily used in a more general sense to describe someone acting in a foolish or ridiculous manner.