cretin

SYLLABICATION: cre·tin
PRONUNCIATION: krtn
NOUN: 1. A person afflicted with cretinism. 2. Slang An idiot.
ETYMOLOGY: French crétin, from French dialectal, deformed and mentally retarded person found in certain Alpine valleys, from Vulgar Latin *christinus, Christian, human being, poor fellow, from Latin Chrstinus, Christian. See Christian.
OTHER FORMS: cretin·oid (-oid) —ADJECTIVE
cretin·ous (-s) —ADJECTIVE

As noted in another thread, a deficiency of iodine in Alpine soils caused by leaching of the compounds of the element from the soils, in pregnant womens diet, results in incomplete development of brain of infant. They are to be pitied. Iodized salt can prevent it. Or availability of seafood. An anomaly to call them "Christians" since they can have no comprehension of religion. And not only Christians should feel pity for them.