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Pariah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pariah

[pษ™หˆraษชษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social outcast

A pariah is someone who is rejected or despised by society, often due to their actions, beliefs, or background. Pariahs are typically isolated and shunned by others, facing discrimination and prejudice.

Synonyms

exile, outcast, persona non grata, reject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pariah

This term is often used to describe someone who is rejected or shunned by society or a particular group. It carries a strong negative connotation.

  • After the scandal, he was treated as a pariah by his colleagues.
  • She felt like a pariah in her own family.
outcast

Describes someone who is rejected or excluded by society or a particular group. It has a strong negative connotation and is often used in social contexts.

  • He became an outcast after refusing to follow the group's rules.
  • The villagers treated her like an outcast because of her unusual beliefs.
exile

Refers to someone who is forced to leave their home or country, often for political reasons. It can be voluntary or involuntary and does not always have a negative connotation.

  • He lived in exile for many years after the revolution.
  • During the war, many people went into exile to escape persecution.
reject

This term is used to describe someone who has been rejected or turned away. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in contexts related to personal relationships or societal acceptance.

  • She felt like a reject after getting turned down by all the colleges she applied to.
  • The community treated him as a reject because of his past mistakes.
persona non grata

Is a formal or legal term, often used in diplomatic contexts, to describe a person who is no longer welcome in a particular country or place.

  • The ambassador was declared persona non grata and asked to leave the country.
  • After his controversial statements, he became persona non grata at the conference.

Examples of usage

  • Despite his efforts to integrate into the community, he remained a pariah.
  • She felt like a pariah after the scandal broke.
  • The group of pariahs formed their own tight-knit community.
  • Being labeled a pariah can have serious psychological effects.
  • The pariah sought solace in solitude.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, the concept of a pariah has been explored in works such as 'The Outsidersโ€™ by S.E. Hinton, highlighting themes of belonging and rejection.
  • The character of Meursault in Albert Camus's 'The Stranger' is often viewed as a pariah due to his emotional detachment from societal expectations.
  • Many stories use the pariah character to explore the human experience of alienation and the desire for acceptance.

Pop Culture

  • In the TV show 'Game of Thrones,' characters like Jon Snow experience pariah-like status as they navigate complex social hierarchies.
  • Movies like 'Mean Girls' illustrate high school dynamics where characters are made pariahs due to social status and cliques.
  • In the music industry, artists like Eminem often refer to feeling like pariahs due to their controversial lyrics and public persona.

Psychology

  • Being labeled a pariah can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety due to social isolation.
  • Research shows that social rejection, even on a minor scale, activates the same brain regions as physical pain.
  • The experience of being a pariah often leads individuals to question their self-worth and identity.

Social Movements

  • Historically, many people who fought for civil rights were treated as pariahs by the societal norms of their time.
  • The LGBTQ+ rights movement has seen individuals labeled as pariahs become champions for acceptance and equality.
  • Modern social media has amplified voices of those once seen as pariahs, allowing them to connect and find community.

Origin of 'pariah'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Tamil word 'paraiyar,' which referred to a group of outcastes in South India historically.
  • The word was brought into English in the 17th century, primarily to describe social outcasts.
  • Originally used in India, the term reflects deep cultural and social divisions that have existed for centuries.

The word 'pariah' originated from Tamil language, where it originally meant 'drummer' or 'trumpeter'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a member of the lowest social caste in India, who faced severe discrimination and ostracism. The term later expanded to refer to anyone who is socially marginalized or rejected by society.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,023, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.