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

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

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 12, 2026

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The unexpected etymology of 'dunce' traces back to a brilliant medieval philosopher.

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

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