Dim
Meaning: Stupid; slow-witted; not intelligent.
'Dim' means stupid or slow to understand, like a light that doesn't shine brightly. 'Dim' or 'dim-witted' suggests someone lacks intelligence. A relatively mild way to call someone stupid.
Examples
- He's a bit dim. 他有点迟钝。Es un poco corto.彼はちょっと頭が鈍い。그는 좀 머리가 둔해.
- Don't be so dim. 别那么蠢。No seas tan corto.そんなにバカなことするなよ。그렇게 멍청하게 굴지 마.
- That was rather dim of me. 那是我犯蠢了。Eso fue bastante tonto por mi parte.それは僕がバカだった。그건 나도 바보 같았어.
Pronunciation
/dɪm/
Usage Guide
Context: criticism, mild insult
Tone: dismissive, critical
✓ Do Say
- Mild way to say stupid说人蠢的温和方式forma suave de decir tontoバカと言う軽い表現바보라고 말하는 부드러운 표현
✗ Don't Say
- Still an insult仍然是侮辱Sigue siendo un insultoそれでも侮辱ではある여전히 욕설임
Common Mistakes
- Milder than 'stupid'
Origin & History
From 'dim' meaning lacking light. Applied to intellect by suggesting someone's mind doesn't 'shine.' Used since early 20th century to mean stupid.
Etymology: From dim (lacking light)
First recorded: Early 20th century as slang
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Common phrase
Regional notes: Universal English.
Variations
Related Phrases
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