barbarian
A barbarian is a term that historically referred to a foreigner or a person outside a dominant civilization, especially in ancient Greek and Roman usage.
A barbarian is a term for a person considered uncivilized, crude, or lacking refinement, rooted in ancient Greek and Roman usage for foreigners.
What it is
The word comes from Greek *bárbaros*, used for non-Greeks whose speech sounded like 'bar-bar' to Greek ears. In ancient Rome, it described peoples outside Greco-Roman civilization. Today, it's a pejorative for someone seen as rude, uncultured, or violent.
Why it matters
The term carries strong negative connotations and is typically insulting in modern English. It appears in historical writing, classical translations, and fantasy settings, where it can also refer to a fierce warrior archetype. In Canadian English, it's used similarly to other English varieties.
Key details
Modern dictionaries define 'barbarian' as a rude, crude, or uncivilized person. Related terms include 'barbaric' and 'barbarism.' The word is usually disapproving, though in fantasy contexts it may describe a brutish or physically powerful character type.
In short
- Derived from Greek *bárbaros*, meaning foreigner or non-Greek.
- Now a pejorative for someone uncivilized or lacking refinement.
- Used in history, literature, and fantasy; usually insulting.
- In Canadian English, same meanings as other English varieties.
The term appears in Canadian English with the same meanings found in other varieties of English, mainly as a historical term or a pejorative description of uncivilized behaviour.
Quick questions
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Sources
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/barbarianSupports: Etymology and ancient Greek/Roman historical usage of the term.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbarianSupports: Modern definitions and pejorative sense.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/barbarianSupports: Historical meaning and modern derogatory usage.
- Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/barbarianSupports: Contemporary definition as uncivilized or rude.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/barbarianSupports: Modern usage and disapproving connotation.
- Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/barbarianSupports: Broader historical, derogatory, and fantasy-related senses.