The word “dunce” is a noun that refers to a person who is slow to learn or lacks intellectual ability; in other words, it describes someone who is considered to be stupid or dull-witted. The term originated from the name of John Duns Scotus, a medieval philosopher whose followers were mocked as being overly pedantic or lacking common sense. Over time, “dunce” became a pejorative term for individuals perceived as incapable of understanding or learning.
