Quirkiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤪

Add to dictionary

quirkiness

[ˈkwərkɪnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

The quality of being unconventional, quirky, or peculiar.

Synonyms

eccentricity, oddity, peculiarity, unconventionality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quirkiness	This word is often used to describe someone or something that has unique or charming characteristics in a positive, often endearing manner. Her quirkiness is what makes her stand out from the rest of the team. The café's quirkiness adds to its charming atmosphere.
eccentricity	Eccentricity is used to refer to unusual or unconventional behavior or ways of thinking, often in a way that is perceived as amusing or interesting. His eccentricity makes him a fascinating person to talk to. The artist's eccentricity is reflected in her unique paintings.
oddity	Oddity generally refers to something that is strange or unusual, often in a neutral or slightly negative way. The oddity of the situation made everyone uncomfortable. His fashion sense is an oddity in this conservative town.
peculiarity	Peculiarity is used to describe something that is distinctively unusual or characteristic, in either a neutral or mildly negative manner. One of his peculiarities is that he always wears mismatched socks. The building's architecture has several interesting peculiarities.
unconventionality	Unconventionality is used to describe behavior or ideas that go against the norm or standard practices, often appreciated in creative or innovative contexts. Her unconventionality in fashion design has earned her numerous awards. The professor's unconventionality makes his lectures particularly engaging.

Examples of usage

She is known for her quirkiness and unique sense of style.
His quirkiness makes him stand out from the crowd.
The movie's quirkiness appealed to a niche audience.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

behavior

An odd or unexpected behavior or mannerism.

Synonyms

eccentricity, oddity, peculiar trait, peculiarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quirkiness	Used to describe playful, unconventional, and charming behavior or characteristics that make someone or something unique in a positive way. Her quirkiness makes her popular among her friends; they love her random dance moves and spontaneous jokes
eccentricity	Used to refer to strange, unconventional behavior or habits, often in people who are seen as highly individualistic. It can be perceived both positively and negatively depending on the context. His eccentricity is legendary; he collects antique typewriters and wears a top hat wherever he goes
oddity	Typically refers to something strange or unusual that stands out from the norm. It can carry a neutral to negative connotation. The old mansion was an oddity in the modern city landscape with its gothic architecture
peculiarity	Refers to a strange or unusual feature or habit. It can be neutral but sometimes carries a slightly negative or curious connotation. One peculiarity of his speech is the way he pauses before every sentence
peculiar trait	Used to describe a specific characteristic or feature that is unusual and not widely shared, often unique to a person or thing. One peculiar trait of the breed is its double-jointed toes

Examples of usage

His quirkiness often leads to unpredictable actions.
She has a quirkiness that can be both amusing and perplexing.
The cat's quirkiness includes chasing its own tail.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Embracing quirkiness is linked to creativity and innovation since unusual traits often lead to new ideas.
Psychological studies suggest that quirky individuals may experience greater life satisfaction due to their uniqueness.
People often feel more attracted to those who exhibit unique traits, as it can signal openness and authenticity.

Pop Culture

Several popular TV shows feature quirky characters, like Phoebe Buffay from 'Friends' and Sheldon Cooper from 'The Big Bang Theory,' who stand out for their odd behaviors.
Quirky fashion trends often emerge in popular culture, challenging conventional styles and celebrating individuality.
Social media has given rise to 'quirky' influencers who gain followers by embracing their unique lifestyles and personalities.

Literature

Many beloved books, like Roald Dahl's 'Matilda,' showcase quirky characters that resonate with readers for their oddities.
The whimsical works of authors like Lewis Carroll ('Alice's Adventures in Wonderland') celebrate quirkiness as central to their narratives.
Quirky narratives often use humor and whimsy to address serious themes, creating a blend of laughter and reflection.

Art

Quirkiness in art can be seen in the works of artists like Salvador Dalí, whose surreal and bizarre images challenge norms.
Street art often embodies quirkiness, as artists use public spaces to express unique, unconventional ideas.
The Dada movement in the early 20th century celebrated randomness and absurdity, emphasizing the beauty of quirkiness in artistic expression.

Origin of 'quirkiness'

Main points about word origin

The word 'quirk' originated from Middle English, where it originally meant 'twist' or 'turn.'
In Scottish dialect, 'quirk' was used to describe a sudden twist or a clever whim, which evolved into its modern use.
The suffix '-ness' is used in English to form nouns indicating a state or quality, adding depth to the word.

The word 'quirkiness' originated from the Middle English word 'quirk,' meaning a sudden twist or turn. Over time, it evolved to describe the quality of being unconventional or peculiar. The term is often associated with individuality and unique characteristics that set someone or something apart from the norm.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,439, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

...
40436 objurgation
40437 cayuse
40438 caramelize
40439 quirkiness
40440 punned
40441 narc
40442 snuffer
...