When Was the Word Ignoramus Invented?

The first known use of ignoramus was circa 1616.

Where did the word ignoramus come from?

The word comes right from the Latin ignoramus, literally "we do not know," which was a legal term in the 16th century that could be used during a trial when the prosecution presented insufficient evidence. After George Ruggle's 1615 play "Ignoramus", it came into popular use to mean "fool" or "dunce."

When was the word ignorant first used?

There's a curiosity in M-W's dating the first English appearances of ignorance (13th century), ignorant (14th century), and ignore (1801).

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.