mannerism
UK: ˈmænərɪzəm | US: ˈmænərɪzəm
n. a habitual gesture, speech pattern, or way of behaving (often exaggerated or unnatural)
n. (art) a style in 16th-century Italian art characterized by artificiality and exaggerated forms
n. an excessive adherence to a distinctive manner or style
mannerism = manner<way of doing> + ism<doctrine or style>
- manner: From Old French maniere (method, way), derived from Latin manus (hand), implying "handling" or "way of handling."
- ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Etymology Origin:
The word mannerism emerged in the 18th century, initially critiquing artificial artistic styles. It combines manner (rooted in physical action) with -ism (abstracting it into a stylistic concept). The term reflects how personal habits (manner) evolve into recognizable, often exaggerated, cultural or artistic traits (-ism).
His constant hair-twirling became a distracting mannerism.
Renaissance mannerism exaggerated proportions for dramatic effect.
The actor’s mannerisms made his performance feel unnatural.
Critics dismissed the movement as mere mannerism lacking depth.
Her writing was criticized for its pretentious mannerisms.