orig.: feign stupidity to avoid disaster; now: extremely foolish
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesadjective
extremely stupid; utterly foolish; idiotic beyond measure
derogatoryModern usage, often with a derogatory tone. Contrasts with the original meaning which was positive.
Refusing such a great opportunity is simply utterly foolish.
Playing in a dangerous place is really extremely stupid.
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He made an utterly idiotic decision.
Anyone who believes in this scam is extremely foolish.
adjective
originally: to pretend to be foolish in order to avoid disaster; to feign stupidity to escape calamity (a wisdom beyond ordinary people's reach)
literaryFrom the Analects (《论语·公冶长》), originally describing Ning Wuzi's strategic wisdom of appearing foolish to survive in troubled times. Now rarely used in this sense.
The ancients spoke of 'unreachably foolish' behavior, which was actually an expression of great wisdom appearing as stupidity.
When the state lacked the Way, Ning Wuzi appeared foolish; one could say he pretended to be foolish [to avoid disaster].
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In troubled times, only by feigning stupidity could one preserve one's life.