Folle
/fɔl/noun
A term used in various contexts, often to denote madness or folly.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'folle' was linked to the concept of divine madness, suggesting that those deemed foolish were believed to be touched by the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰol-
“to blow or swell, a root associated with instability and folly.”
Latin
Latin
follis
“a blowing bag, often used metaphorically to describe empty-headedness.”
Old French
Old French
fol
“mad, foolish, or insane.”
14th Century
Middle English
fol
“a term used for a foolish person.”
Modern English
English
fool
“a person lacking in judgment or sense, often used in a lighter, comedic context.”