I thought for a moment maybe the noun as an insult started with the Nazis, but no, the word goes back a long way.
p.s. I notice the vast majority of your HN comments are similarly very short and low-effort, with a lot of not-very-nice jabs at people on here. Doesn't make for pleasant reading.
I asked because it's a common tactic for people who would use "degenerate" deliberately with its modern, Nazi-associated connotation but simultaneously (and dishonestly) try and hide behind the fact that it is in fact a much older word, thus protecting their dogwhistle. I was trying to suss out if that's what you were doing.
p.s. I notice the vast majority of your HN comments are similarly very short and low-effort, with a lot of not-very-nice jabs at people on here. Doesn't make for pleasant reading.