idiot

[tree123]

There are many books named A Complete Idiot's Guide to XXX.

For example, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Narnia" is a book name I searched from Amazon.

Is 'idiot' only innocent in the book name without insulting? I can't use it to refer to some people, if I don't intend to insult them, correct?

Yoyo is a complete idiot of computer hardware. --- Will I offend Yoyo if I say this to him?

 

[tedmc]

Normally, being called an idiot is big insult. The name is used for the title of the book to make it catchy, stand out and to inject a bit of fun and lightheartedness, like the "Dummies Guide" series of book. The idea is to make it come across as an easy-to-follow guide to a subject. But using the name on a person is a different matter.

 

[tree123]

Then can I say:

Yoyo is an ignoramus of computer hardware?

Many computer dealers try to rip off those ignoramuses of computer hardware?

Cambridge Dictionary defines it as 'a person knows nothing'.

PS--All examples I use in this thread are without insulting purpose.

 

[tedmc]

"Ignoramus" is an insulting word too.

Try newbie/noob/beginner/novice/newcomer.

 

[bubbha]

If you buy the book, you're just humorously calling yourself an idiot, which is OK.

"I'm such an idiot" is not an insult because it's self-referential.
"You're such an idiot" is an insult because it's one person saying it to another.

 

[emsr2d2]

In addition, "is a complete idiot of [subject]" is ungrammatical.

 

[Tdol]

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