[NorthMountain]

A bit more research reveals that "idiot" and "imbecile" are much older terms for low-IQ people. "Idiot" is from the Latin by way of Middle English, "imbecile" from the Latin by way of Middle French. "Moron" was lifted directly from ancient Greek in the early XX Century.

I'm not sure the proximate source of Smith's nonsense ... he may have simply ginned up nonsense words the same way Lewis Carroll did.

The ultimate source of his nonsense, however, reeks of sulfur.

And I care about this only because I find etymology (and false cognates) fascinating.

[Elsie]

The ultimate source of his nonsense, however, reeks of sulfur.

I just LOVE the smell of brimstone in the morning!

[Elsie]

The ultimate source of his nonsense, however, reeks of sulfur.

I just LOVE the smell of brimstone in the morning!