[freespirited]

Are you saying this post is MORONIC? Or are you calling someone a MORON?

Neither. It's just that a discussion of intelligence reminded me of the word, which I so often see spelled here as "maroon." Have never been able to figure out why this is and have wondered if it is an inside joke of some kind, like "hugh" (for huge) and "series" (for serious).

[Post Toasties]

'Maroon' for 'moron' even appeared in classic WB cartoons.

[radiohead]

Have never been able to figure out why this is

I believe it's from the Bugs Bunny cartoon, in which he would frequently say, "What a maroon." FReepers are not misspelling 'moron.'

[watchin]

Yep, d e f i n i t e l y Bugs Bunny. He said it often:

"what a maroon"

[Congressman Billybob]

For someone who's highly verbal and a good writer, you should know the answer to the question you pose. "Moron" is frequently written as "maroon" as a bow to Bugs Bunny. He was given to referring to other characters with the comment, "What a maroon!"

Congressman Billybob

[Finny]

Generations of kids raised on classic Warner Brothers cartoons watched Bugs Bunny write off idiots with the words: "What a maroon!"

[Ruth A.]

It's just that a discussion of intelligence reminded me of the word, which I so often see spelled here as "maroon." Have never been able to figure out why this is and have wondered if it is an inside joke of some kind...

Yes, inside cultural joke. It is Bugs Bunny's pronounciation of "moron" when he is ridiculing the adversary. Of course, no sooner does Bugs say this than the foe returns--even more enraged. See what you missed Saturday mornings.