Adjective
/ˈæs.ɪ.naɪn/
Derived from the Latin word asinus, meaning "ass" or "donkey," used metaphorically to imply stupidity or stubbornness.
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Asnino | /asˈnino/ |
| French | Asinine | /a.si.nin/ |
| German | Dumm | /dʊm/ |
| Hindi | मूर्खतापूर्ण | /murkhtaːpuːrn/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 愚蠢的 | /yú chǔn de/ |
The pronunciation of "asinine" may vary slightly between British and American English, with the stress sometimes placed differently.
The term "asinine" has been used since the 15th century to describe behaviors or ideas perceived as stubbornly foolish or lacking common sense.
While "asinine" is widely recognized as a term for foolishness, its use in formal settings may be considered overly strong or disrespectful.
The word "asinine" is often employed in both casual and rhetorical contexts to emphasize the absurdity or foolishness of an action or statement. Its roots in the metaphor of the donkey highlight cultural associations with stubbornness and lack of intelligence.