Fetishist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fetishist
[หfษtษชสษชst ]
Definition
sexual preference
A person who has an extreme and irrational devotion or obsession to a particular object, body part, or activity for sexual arousal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fetishist |
Used to describe someone who has an obsessive interest in a particular object or activity, often with a sexual connotation. It can have a negative or provocative undertone.
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| devotee |
Appropriate for describing someone who is very dedicated or committed to a particular activity, cause, or person. It often has a spiritual or intellectual connotation.
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| enthusiast |
Best used for someone who shows a lot of excitement and interest in a specific subject or activity but without the obsessive or extreme behavior. It carries a generally positive connotation.
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| fanatic |
Describes someone who is extremely passionate about a particular cause, activity, or belief, often to the point of being irrational. It has a strong emotional intensity and can sometimes have a negative or extreme implication.
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Examples of usage
- He was known as a shoe fetishist, collecting hundreds of pairs of high heels.
- She realized she was a fetishist when she couldn't stop thinking about a specific body part during intimate moments.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychologists consider fetishism a type of paraphilia, where attraction focuses on objects, materials, or specific scenarios.
- Common fetishes can include materials like leather or latex, which evoke strong feelings of excitement in some individuals.
- Researchers note that fetishism can be a healthy expression of sexuality if consensual and not harmful to oneself or others.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, objects deemed 'fetishes' are used in rituals and beliefs, representing spiritual significance and protection.
- Some modern fashion enthusiasts showcase fetischistic styles, emphasizing how objects can signify identity and societal roles.
- In art, fetishistic themes challenge societal norms, exploring personal liberation and individual expression through unique items.
Pop Culture
- Fetishism often appears in films and literature, representing themes of taboo, desire, and taboo relationships.
- The television series 'Sex and the City' frequently touched upon characters' various fetishistic interests, normalizing conversations around sexual preferences.
- Fashion shows sometimes celebrate fetishistic styles, blending couture with elements that challenge conventional aesthetics.
Historical Context
- During the Victorian era, discussions of fetishism emerged alongside the exploration of sexuality and societal constraints.
- The rise of psychoanalysis in the early 20th century brought attention to the psychology behind fetishistic behavior, notably through the works of Sigmund Freud.
- Cultural shifts in the late 20th century saw increasing acceptance and visibility of diverse sexual preferences, including fetishism, in society.
Origin of 'fetishist'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'fรฉtichus', meaning 'made by art', originally referring to objects believed to have magical powers.
- In the 19th century, 'fetish' began to describe a strong attachment or obsession with particular objects beyond their practical use.
- French anthropologist Charles de Brasseur de Boultays expanded the term to describe the reverence of objects as representations of deities.
The term 'fetishist' originated in the 19th century from the French word 'fรฉtichiste', which was derived from the Portuguese word 'feitiรงo' meaning charm or sorcery. Initially used in the context of religious beliefs, it later evolved to encompass sexual preferences.
See also: fetish, fetishistic.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,390, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.