nitwit

First attested in the 1910s in the US Northeast. Likely from German nit, dialectal form of nichts (“nothing”), or Yiddish ניט‎ (nit), dialectal form of נישט‎ (nisht, “no”), although some dictionaries give the alternative etymology nit (“louse egg; something very small”) +‎ wit.

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈnɪtwɪt/

nitwit (plural nitwits)

1. (informal) A scatterbrained or stupid person.
   • 1918, State Bar Association of Connecticut, Annual Report, page 82

     If you don't remember you are a nitwit. If you do answer, well you know what the penalty is for perjury.

   • 1921, Emmett Campbell Hall, "Need a Hero be a Nitwit?", The Editor, page 58
   • 1922, Nina Wilcox Putnam, Laughter Inc

     "Don't be a nitwit, honey!" says Adele. "Here, let me open the door! Ma be I did leave them lights on, though it ain't ike me!"

• See also Thesaurus:fool