Definition
The practice of affecting intellectual sophistication, expertise, or refined taste without possessing genuine knowledge or understanding. It involves using complex terminology, referencing high-culture artifacts, or adopting intellectual mannerisms to appear more knowledgeable than one actually is.
Example Usage
His constant name-dropping of obscure philosophers without understanding their work was pure pseudointellectualism.
Origin
pseudo- (Greek: false) + intellectualism (Latin: intellegere, to perceive + -ism, practice/doctrine)
Fun Fact
The term gained particular prominence in mid-20th century cultural criticism to describe certain bohemian and artistic circles.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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