'idiot' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'idiōtēs,' where 'idios' meant 'own' or 'private.'

'idiōtēs' transformed into the Latin word 'idiota,' and eventually became the modern English word 'idiot' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a private person' or 'layman,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person of low intelligence.'