Foolhardy
/ˈfuːlˌhɑːrdi/noun
Having or showing reckless lack of care or caution.
Did you know?Foolhardy is a native English compound, and its sting comes from pairing “fool” with “hardy,” an old word for bold or stout-hearted, so the insult is really a judgment about dangerous courage.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
fōl
“A foolish person; a simpleton.”
Old English
OE
heard
“Hard, strong, firm, severe.”
Middle English
ME
folhardy
“Recklessly bold; rashly daring.”
15th Century
English
foolhardy
“Bold to the point of stupidity or danger.”
Modern English
English
foolhardy
“Recklessly imprudent; rash.”