Exoticism

/ɪɡˈzɑːtɪsɪzəm/
noun

A quality that makes something seem interesting or exciting because it is from a foreign country.

The restaurant is known for its exoticism, offering dishes from various countries around the world.
Visual representation of "exoticism" - A quality that makes something seem interesting or exciting because it is from a foreign country

Often appears as...

  • culture of exoticism
  • exoticism in art
noun

The act of using features typical of a different culture in art and literature for their strange or exciting qualities.

The author's exoticism was evident in his works, incorporating elements from diverse global cultures in his novels.
Visual representation of "exoticism" - The act of using features typical of a different culture in art and literature for their strange or exciting qualities

Often appears as...

  • cultural exoticism
  • literary exoticism

Usage tips

Academic

noun

A quality that makes something seem interesting or exciting because it is from a foreign country.

The restaurant is known for its exoticism, offering dishes from various countries around the world.
Visual representation of "exoticism" - A quality that makes something seem interesting or exciting because it is from a foreign country

Often appears as...

  • culture of exoticism
  • exoticism in art
noun

The act of using features typical of a different culture in art and literature for their strange or exciting qualities.

The author's exoticism was evident in his works, incorporating elements from diverse global cultures in his novels.
Visual representation of "exoticism" - The act of using features typical of a different culture in art and literature for their strange or exciting qualities

Often appears as...

  • cultural exoticism
  • literary exoticism

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "exoticism"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Fascination

Exoticism often expresses a fascination with cultures different from one’s own.

Illustration for Cultural Fascination
His travel stories were filled with exoticism, making the foreign landscapes come alive.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Romanticizing Foreign

Exoticism can mistakenly romanticize foreign cultures as mysterious and inherently better.

Illustration for Romanticizing Foreign
Her poetry used exoticism to idealize the distant lands she had never visited.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Potential Offense

Using exoticism can sometimes offend if it stereotypes or misrepresents other cultures.

Illustration for Potential Offense
The novel faced criticism for its exoticism that bordered on cultural appropriation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Fascination

Exoticism often expresses a fascination with cultures different from one’s own.

Illustration for Cultural Fascination
His travel stories were filled with exoticism, making the foreign landscapes come alive.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Romanticizing Foreign

Exoticism can mistakenly romanticize foreign cultures as mysterious and inherently better.

Illustration for Romanticizing Foreign
Her poetry used exoticism to idealize the distant lands she had never visited.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Potential Offense

Using exoticism can sometimes offend if it stereotypes or misrepresents other cultures.

Illustration for Potential Offense
The novel faced criticism for its exoticism that bordered on cultural appropriation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Fascination

Exoticism often expresses a fascination with cultures different from one’s own.

Illustration for Cultural Fascination
His travel stories were filled with exoticism, making the foreign landscapes come alive.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Romanticizing Foreign

Exoticism can mistakenly romanticize foreign cultures as mysterious and inherently better.

Illustration for Romanticizing Foreign
Her poetry used exoticism to idealize the distant lands she had never visited.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Potential Offense

Using exoticism can sometimes offend if it stereotypes or misrepresents other cultures.

Illustration for Potential Offense
The novel faced criticism for its exoticism that bordered on cultural appropriation.
Visual representation of the word "Exoticism"

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Quote examples

Barbara Kruger

American Artist

I have problems with a lot of photography, particularly street photography and photojournalism - objectifying the other, finding the contempt and exoticism that you might feel within yourself or toward yourself and projecting it out to others. There can be an abusive power to photography, too.
Portrait of Barbara Kruger

Quote examples

Tom Junod

American Journalist

Now, I love Israeli food, love 'Jerusalem: A Cookbook', love the homey exoticism, the fusion forged in the crucible of an eternally contested crossroads.
Portrait of Tom Junod

Quote examples

Kristin Scott Thomas

English Actress

Exoticism can give you an edge: it makes people assume you're cleverer than you are and gives you the upper hand.
Portrait of Kristin Scott Thomas

Quote examples

Barbara Kruger

American Artist

I have problems with a lot of photography, particularly street photography and photojournalism - objectifying the other, finding the contempt and exoticism that you might feel within yourself or toward yourself and projecting it out to others. There can be an abusive power to photography, too.
Portrait of Barbara Kruger

Quote examples

Tom Junod

American Journalist

Now, I love Israeli food, love 'Jerusalem: A Cookbook', love the homey exoticism, the fusion forged in the crucible of an eternally contested crossroads.
Portrait of Tom Junod

Quote examples

Kristin Scott Thomas

English Actress

Exoticism can give you an edge: it makes people assume you're cleverer than you are and gives you the upper hand.
Portrait of Kristin Scott Thomas
Example 1 of 3
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