BABBITRY Meaning and
Definition
-
Babbitry refers to a mindset or behavior that is characterized by conformity, materialism, and a lack of intellectual or artistic appreciation. The term derives from the fictional character George Babbitt, created by American novelist Sinclair Lewis in his 1922 novel titled "Babbitt."
In the novel, Babbitt serves as a representation of the average middle-class American businessman, who is driven primarily by material success and social approval. Lewis uses the character to satirize the conformist tendencies and shallow values that were prevalent in American society during the 1920s.
The term "babbitry" has since been adopted to describe similar tendencies in other contexts, such as politics, culture, or general societal expectations. It conveys the idea of mediocrity, conventional thinking, and a fixation on material possessions or societal status, often at the expense of personal growth or individuality.
Babbitry often involves conforming to societal norms and expectations without critically examining their merits or considering alternative perspectives. This mindset discourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking. Individuals exhibiting babbitry tend to prioritize fitting in and achieving conventional markers of success rather than pursuing personal passions or questioning the status quo.
Overall, the term "babbitry" denotes a conformist and materialistic mindset that emphasizes outward appearances and societal validation over genuine self-expression and personal growth.
Common Misspellings for BABBITRY
- vabbitry
- nabbitry
- habbitry
- gabbitry
- bzbbitry
- bsbbitry
- bwbbitry
- bqbbitry
- bavbitry
- banbitry
- bahbitry
- bagbitry
- babvitry
- babnitry
- babhitry
- babgitry
- babbutry
- babbjtry
- babbktry
- babbotry
Etymology of BABBITRY
The word "babbitry" originated from the fictional character George Babbitt, the protagonist of Sinclair Lewis's novel "Babbitt" published in 1922. The novel portrays Babbitt, a conformist and materialistic businessman, who represents the middle-class American values and ideals of the time. Babbitt's character became synonymous with a narrow-minded, conventional, and conformist mindset, leading to the creation of the term "babbitry". Over time, the term has been used to describe the pursuit of materialism, conformity, and social conservatism.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
