This word has its origins in the ancient
Greek word idiōtēs, meaning a private person, a person who is not
actively interested in politics. The word is now commonly used to
mean someone of relatively low intelligence.
It seems to have come full circle from its original meaning. Because
of the word’s negative connotations, ‘idiot’ slowly changed how it
is used today. Ironically, many people now use that word to
describe politicians, who are always interested in politics.