 The roots of this notion may be traced to Europe, with the "dumb blonde" in question being a French courtesan named Rosalie Duthé, satirised in a 1775 play "Les Curiosités de la Foire" for her habit of pausing a long time before speaking, appearing not only stupid but literally dumb (in the sense of mute).The latter stereotype of "dumb blonde" is exploited in blonde jokes.In Brazil, this extends to blonde women being looked down upon, as reflected in sexist jokes, as also sexually licentious.