philistine
UK: ˈfɪl.ɪ.staɪn | US: ˈfɪl.ə.stiːn
n. 1. A person who is indifferent or hostile to culture, intellectual pursuits, or artistic refinement.
n. 2. (Historical) A member of a non-Semitic people of ancient southern Palestine who conflicted with the Israelites.
adj. 1. Lacking in or disdainful of cultural or intellectual values.
The term originates from the Latin Philistinus, derived from Greek Philistinoi, referring to the ancient Philistines of Palestine. In the 17th century, German students used "Philister" to mock townspeople hostile to academic culture. English adopted this figurative sense in the 19th century, shifting from a historical label to a pejorative for cultural ignorance. The suffix "-ine" (from Latin -inus) denotes association or resemblance.
The artist dismissed critics as philistines who couldn’t appreciate avant-garde work.
His philistine attitude toward literature shocked the book club.
The museum’s modern exhibit was labeled "pretentious" by local philistines.
Historically, the Philistines were rivals of the Israelites in biblical narratives.
She refused to dumb down her paintings for philistine audiences.