#29: Cretin — An Alpine Disease Name That Became a Common Insult episode artwork

EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 1 MIN

#29: Cretin — An Alpine Disease Name That Became a Common Insult

from The Why of Words

Explore the dark history behind the word 'cretin'—a casual insult hiding a serious medical condition. Discover how this term originated in the Alpine valleys of 17th-century Savoy and Switzerland, where cretinism was endemic, transforming a disease into everyday slang.---More from Sticky Note Podcasts:Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)stickynotepodcasts.com

Explore the dark history behind the word 'cretin'—a casual insult hiding a serious medical condition. Discover how this term originated in the Alpine valleys of 17th-century Savoy and Switzerland, where cretinism was endemic, transforming a disease into everyday slang. --- 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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#29: Cretin — An Alpine Disease Name That Became a Common Insult

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This episode was published on May 14, 2026.

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Explore the dark history behind the word 'cretin'—a casual insult hiding a serious medical condition. Discover how this term originated in the Alpine valleys of 17th-century Savoy and Switzerland, where cretinism was endemic, transforming a disease...

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