Despite its unusual and vernacular sound, the word "simple" is used quite often these days. Moreover, both in works of art and in oral speech. Let's try to figure out what is the origin and meaning of the word "simple".
Meaning
The word "simple" is used in relation to the stupid and slow-witted, oaf or bungler. As a rule, this is most often a person who misses favorable opportunities, is not able to act adequately to reality. Often behind this concept lies a simple-hearted person who does not know how to cunning and dodge, and also does not see the deception on the part of others. Usually he does not have evil intentions, most likely, this is a simple-hearted person who does not want to harm others. “Pimp” is a derogatory word that can also be used as a swear word, but is not strictly a curse word.
Origin
Coot is a compound word consisting of two parts: “simply” and “philia”. In meaning, it is close to the word "simpleton", the root of which is the same as that of its first component. simple meanscommoner, member of the underprivileged class. The same root is present in the words "common people", "vernacular", "simple-hearted" and so on. The second part of the word, most likely, comes from a diminutive version of the names Philip or Filat. In addition, “filya” is the name used in the old days by the townsfolk for the jack of hearts or the fool card game.
Filya's name in the 17th-19th centuries was considered common, peasant. Since that time, many proverbs, sayings and literary works originate, in which Filka acts as the name of a typical servant or serf, illiterate and stupid. Thus, both parts of the word "simple" speak of something vulgar, ignorant and stupid.
