the abyss means...

5. dunce is a word which, like many others, has more or less completely reversed its meaning. It is originally found (from the early 16th century) was 'Duns man', a disciple or follower of the philosopher and theologian Duns Scotus. A Duns man was a sophisticated thinker, a subtle reasoner - hence, in time, a hairsplitting cavilling sophist. From here it was a short step to a 'Duns' as one who had studied too much and dulled his wits, a dull pedant; and, by extension, a dull-witted, stupid person. A complete change of meaning in five easy steps!

I never knew that. That's great!

From Where do hobbits come from? (via Interconnected)

(I wish I could stop proof-reading things, but I can't. Bad editor. Bad.)

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