Cynic
/ˈsɪn.ɪk/noun
A person who believes people are mainly motivated by self-interest; originally, a member of the ancient Greek philosophical school of Cynics.
Did you know?The Cynics were named from Greek kyon, “dog,” either because they were seen as shameless and barking at convention, or because they embraced a dog-like, natural way of life.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kynikos
“Dog-like; of or related to the Cynic philosophers”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kyon
“Dog”
Late Latin
Latin
cynicus
“Cynic philosopher”
Old French
French
cynique
“Cynic, skeptic”
14th Century
English
cynik
“A member of the Cynic school”
Modern English
English
cynic
“A person who distrusts human sincerity or motives”