Fainant

/ˈfeɪnənt/ adjective

Definition

Archaic term meaning lazy, idle, or disinclined to work; characterized by laziness and avoidance of effort.

Etymology

From Old French 'fainéant' or 'fain-néant' literally meaning 'do-nothing' (fain = make, néant = nothing). This word was used in Medieval French to describe people of little worth.

Kelly Says

The Merovingian kings of France were called 'les rois fainéants' (the do-nothing kings) because they let their mayors handle all the real power—it's one of history's great insults!

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