Outlandish: meaning, definitions and examples

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outlandish

[aʊtˈlændɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in fashion

looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar

Synonyms

eccentric, strange, unconventional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outlandish	Use this word to describe something that is bizarre, strange, or unfamiliar, often in a shocking way. It usually carries a slightly negative connotation. Her outlandish outfit turned heads at the party. The politician's outlandish remarks caused a lot of controversies.
eccentric	This word is suitable for describing a person or their behavior as unconventional, quirky, or odd, but often in an endearing or interesting way. It's less negative, often implying charming uniqueness. He was known as the eccentric professor with the wild hair. Her eccentric taste in music intrigued her friends.
strange	This word is used to describe something that is unfamiliar or unusual. It is neutral but can be perceived negatively, depending on the context. She had a strange feeling that she was being watched. The town had a strange, eerie silence.
unconventional	Prefer this word when referring to methods, ideas, or behavior that deviate from the norm but without necessarily being negative. It often suggests creativity or innovation. His unconventional approach to problem-solving impressed the judges. They decided to have an unconventional wedding ceremony.

Examples of usage

The outlandish outfit caught everyone's attention at the party.
His outlandish hairstyle made him stand out in the crowd.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

ideas or behavior

contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted

Synonyms

offbeat, peculiar, unconventional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outlandish	Use when describing something extremely unusual or bizarre that stands out in a noticeable way. It often has a slightly negative connotation as being too strange. His outlandish outfit caught everyone's attention at the party. The festival featured some outlandish performances that left the audience in awe.
unconventional	Best for describing something that does not conform to traditional or standard norms, often in a creative or progressive way. It carries a positive or neutral connotation. Her unconventional approach to teaching has made her very popular among students. They live an unconventional lifestyle, traveling the world in a converted van.
offbeat	Ideal for describing something that is different from what is usually expected, quirky, or unique. It generally has a positive or neutral connotation. She has a very offbeat sense of humor that always makes me laugh. The movie was an offbeat romantic comedy that offered a fresh perspective.
peculiar	Used for situations where something is strange or unusual in a slightly odd or unsettling way. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation. There was a peculiar smell in the room that no one could identify. He has a peculiar habit of talking to himself when he thinks no one is listening.

Examples of usage

Her outlandish proposal was met with skepticism by the committee.
His outlandish behavior at the meeting raised some eyebrows.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'outlandish' comes from the Old English word 'utland', meaning foreign land, hinting at its initial connection to things that seem strange or special because they’re from afar.
It developed in the late Middle Ages, used to describe things that were unusual or bizarre, often because they were considered 'outside' the norm.
In literature, 'outlandish' often describes characters or settings that provoke curiosity due to their peculiarity.

Pop Culture

Outlandish fashion trends often emerge from subcultures that embrace the unusual, influencing mainstream styles.
Reality TV is filled with outlandish behavior, as contestants often engage in unexpected antics to capture attention.
Many comedic films and shows thrive on outlandish plots and characters, playing up the absurd for laughs.

Psychology

Outlandish behaviors can sometimes be a form of self-expression, where individuals seek to distinguish themselves from societal norms.
Cognitive psychology suggests that outlandish ideas can stimulate creativity, pushing boundaries that spark innovation.
Studies show that while people may initially react negatively to outlandish notions, repeated exposure can lead to acceptance and integration into popular thought.

Literature

Many classic fairy tales feature outlandish elements, like talking animals and impossible scenarios, enhancing their whimsical nature.
Postmodern literature often embraces outlandish storytelling techniques, blurring the line between reality and absurdity.
Shakespeare’s comedies are filled with outlandish situations and characters, offering humor through the surreal and the illogical.

Art

Outlandish art movements, such as Surrealism, explore dream-like visions that defy logic and challenge traditional aesthetics.
Artists often incorporate outlandish elements in their works to provoke thought and encourage viewers to see the world differently.
Performance art sometimes embraces outlandish themes, pushing physical and conceptual limits of artistic expression.

Translations

Translations of the word "outlandish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extravagante

🇮🇳 अजीबोगरीब

🇩🇪 seltsam

🇮🇩 aneh

🇺🇦 дивний

🇵🇱 dziwny

🇯🇵 奇妙な

🇫🇷 excentrique

🇪🇸 extravagante

🇹🇷 tuhaf

🇰🇷 기이한

🇸🇦 غريب

🇨🇿 podivný

🇸🇰 podivný

🇨🇳 古怪的

🇸🇮 nenavaden

🇮🇸 undarlegur

🇰🇿 ерекше

🇬🇪 უცნაური

🇦🇿 qəribə

🇲🇽 extravagante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,776, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22773 nonsensical
22774 unlearned
22775 fie
22776 outlandish
22777 deviating
22778 jihad
22779 equinox
...