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#27: Dunce — A Brilliant Philosopher Became the Insult for Stupidity episode artwork

EPISODE · May 12, 2026 · 1 MIN

#27: Dunce — A Brilliant Philosopher Became the Insult for Stupidity

from The Why of Words

Explore the surprising origin of the word 'dunce'—it's not about being stupid at all. Discover how a 13th-century Scottish philosopher named John Duns Scotus became the unlikely namesake for the iconic pointy paper hat and the insult we still use today.---More from Sticky Note Podcasts:Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)stickynotepodcasts.com

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#27: Dunce — A Brilliant Philosopher Became the Insult for Stupidity

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This episode is 1 minute long.

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This episode was published on May 12, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Explore the surprising origin of the word 'dunce'—it's not about being stupid at all. Discover how a 13th-century Scottish philosopher named John Duns Scotus became the unlikely namesake for the iconic pointy paper hat and the insult we still use...

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