I think of the word Silly as when somebody does something really funny, kind of in a childish kind of way. It is an endearing word, not something insulting at all. It is sometimes meant to tease that person when they did it. But it acknowledges we are not perfect, even as adults, and we all do childish things at times. So it reflects humblness on our part to admit it, that we did something 'silly.'
Yes, it is possible to mean that you think the person really is an idiot when you call them silly, but in English, usually a much harsher word is used, like 'stupid,' 'idiot,' or 'Jerk,' or something obscene, not the word 'silly.' That is a far fetched use of the word which is really never used for such purpose.
It is also one of the Emotes the English speakers have on their instant emote bar, and I find it a shame that it is translated into something insulting to the French and feel sorry for that because no insult is intended. I may have been guilty of using it too and not knowing it was an insult. For the English speakers, it is not an insult, it is a tease if anything, and funny. It is similar to saying: 'You are being Funny!' The same way as if a Child was being funny. You are not insulting your child! You love them, and the child usually laughs a long with it.
It might be misunderstood the same way the French use the phrase or words 'Coo coo,' or 'Cou cou,' which in English might be understood that you are calling them 'Crazy,' or yes, an idiot! Which of course, now I understand it doesn't.
So, hopefully this clears up some things, I beleive no insult was intended if we can all understand that.
Yes, it is possible to mean that you think the person really is an idiot when you call them silly, but in English, usually a much harsher word is used, like 'stupid,' 'idiot,' or 'Jerk,' or something obscene, not the word 'silly.' That is a far fetched use of the word which is really never used for such purpose.
It is also one of the Emotes the English speakers have on their instant emote bar, and I find it a shame that it is translated into something insulting to the French and feel sorry for that because no insult is intended. I may have been guilty of using it too and not knowing it was an insult. For the English speakers, it is not an insult, it is a tease if anything, and funny. It is similar to saying: 'You are being Funny!' The same way as if a Child was being funny. You are not insulting your child! You love them, and the child usually laughs a long with it.
It might be misunderstood the same way the French use the phrase or words 'Coo coo,' or 'Cou cou,' which in English might be understood that you are calling them 'Crazy,' or yes, an idiot! Which of course, now I understand it doesn't.
So, hopefully this clears up some things, I beleive no insult was intended if we can all understand that.