1. eccentric person - a person with an unusual or odd personality. eccentric, oddball, flake, geek. unusual person, anomaly - a person who is unusual. crackpot, fruitcake, nut case, screwball, crank, nut - a whimsically eccentric person. nutter, wacko, whacko - a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad.
Full Answer
What does it mean to be eccentric?
Eccentricity (also called quirkiness) is unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. ... People who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior are labeled as "eccentrics."
What are some examples of eccentric behavior?
What are some examples of eccentric behavior? Someone who dresses from another time or place (another era), someone who talks to themselves, someone who has made up their own inner circle language of words and only shares them with you when they feel that you are ready.
What is does eccentric mean?
eccentric, eccentric person, flake, oddball, geek noun. a person with an unusual or odd personality. character, eccentric, type, case adjective. a person of a specified kind (usually with many eccentricities) "a real character"; "a strange character"; "a friendly eccentric"; "the capable type"; "a mental case".
What is another word for eccentric?
The synonyms of “Eccentric” are: nonconcentric, bizarre, flakey, flaky, freakish, freaky, gonzo, outlandish, outre, unconventional, uncommon, abnormal, irregular, aberrant, anomalous, odd, queer, strange, peculiar, weird, extraordinary, case, character, type, eccentric person, flake, geek, oddball, oddity, individualist, individual, free spirit, misfit
What does it mean when a person is called eccentric?
eccentric. noun. Definition of eccentric (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a person who behaves in odd or unusual ways : an eccentric person.
What is an eccentric person like?
According to Weeks, eccentrics are often loners from as early as age 7, they are convinced they are different or visionary, they proffer profound ideas that don't quite operate within the laws of logic, they are egotistical, and they don't hesitate to bring up their unusual preoccupations with anyone they meet.
Is being eccentric a good thing?
Their differences stretch the possibilities for all of us. In Eccentrics: A Study of Sanity and Strangeness, psychiatrist David Weeks explains that eccentrics are physically healthier and significantly happier than “normal” people.
Does eccentric mean crazy?
Crazy refers to people, decisions, and situations that are illogical and/or not in line with societal norms. Eccentric refers to people who act or speak in a way that is not in line with societal norms.
How do I know if I am eccentric?
If you're a creative, curious, idealistic, non-conformist who is obsessed with certain hobbies you could be an eccentric, according to Dr. David Weeks, an clinical neuropsychologist who has studied eccentricity for two decades.
What is a eccentric woman?
The most complimentary thing you can hope to be called if you are a woman who doesn't conform to societal expectations is the E-word: eccentric. While the idea of eccentricity is nebulous, it is an important barometer of society and women's place within it.
Is being eccentric considered a mental illness?
Indeed, there is a very fine line between thoughts and feelings and behaviours that are eccentric, and thoughts and feelings and behaviours that are best thought of as mentally ill and best treated by the psychiatric system.
What is an example of eccentric?
Eccentric is defined as someone or something that is different or behaves in an unconventional way. An example of eccentric is an adult wearing footy pajamas to a formal dinner. The definition of eccentric is something that is not exactly circular.
Why is it difficult to be an eccentric person?
In this vein, the eccentric's habits are incomprehensible not because they are illogical or the result of madness, but because they stem from a mind so original that it cannot be conformed to societal norms.
What makes an eccentric person interesting?
Eccentric personalities are rare. Associated with intelligence and creativity, their behavior is said to reflect their genius in a fearless manner. So, characteristics of an eccentric person can indeed make eccentricity very interesting! Home / Uncategorized / Unmistakable Signs and Characteristics of an Eccentric Person.
How many characteristics are there about an eccentric person?
Traits of an Eccentric Person. According to psychologist Dr. David Weeks, there are around 15 characteristics that can distinguish a normal person from an eccentric individual. He also says that individuals having a mental illness ‘suffer’ from their behavior, however, eccentrics are rather happy. These 5 attributes are said to be present in every ...
How do you know if you are eccentric?
Signs of an eccentric person are evident from things like dressing style, speech, peculiar tastes, or an offbeat thinking.
Who was the eccentric person who taught an otter how to swim?
During the 1700s, a person summoned by King George III to attend his court had apologized for being late, as he was busy teaching an otter how to swim. James Hirst or Jimmy, was this eccentric person, and also the famous business man of York.
Is eccentricity a disorder?
There is no definition to classifying someone as ‘eccentric’, and neither is there a limit to the very many facets of individual expression which may get labeled as eccentric. It is neither insanity nor a disorder.
What does eccentric mean?
You're most likely to encounter the adjective eccentric in a description of an unusual or quirky person — like a scatterbrained aunt who leaves her life savings to her cat.
Is Corkers an eccentric old bachelor?
But Corkers, an eccentric old bachelor, was neither dull nor colourless. “He’s eccentric, but he’s one of the oldest Lares. Been around since the legion was founded.”. We formed an exclusive— eccentric !—society, separated from others who would never care or be able to share our concerns.
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What does eccentric mean?
Eccentric first appeared in English essays as a neologism in 1551 as an astronomical term meaning "a circle in which the earth, sun, etc. deviates from its center." Five years later, in 1556, an adjective form of the word was used. In 1685, the definition evolved from the literal to the figurative, and eccentric is noted to have begun being used to describe unconventional or odd behavior. A noun form of the word – a person who possesses and exhibits these unconventional or odd qualities and behaviors – appeared by 1832.
What are the characteristics of an eccentric person?
The first five characteristics on Weeks' list are found in most people regarded as eccentric: Nonconforming. Creative.
Why are aristocrats called eccentrics?
1887) wrote that eccentricity is "often a kind of innocent pride", also saying that geniuses and aristocrats are called eccentrics because "they are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd". Eccentricity is also associated with great wealth.
Why are eccentrics unconcerned?
They are simply unconcerned by society's disapproval of their habits or beliefs. Many of history's most brilliant minds have displayed some unusual behaviors and habits.
What is eccentricity in psychology?
Eccentricity (also called quirkiness) is an unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive.
What is a noncompetitive person?
Noncompetitive, not in need of reassurance or reinforcement from society. Unusual in their eating habits and living arrangements. Not particularly interested in the opinions or company of other people, except in order to persuade them to their – the correct – point of view. Possessed of a mischievous sense of humor.
Who wrote that eccentricity is proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigour, and moral courage?
English utilitarian thinker John Stuart Mill ( b. 1806) wrote that "the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigour, and moral courage which it contained," and mourned a lack of eccentricity as "the chief danger of the time".
What is eccentricity in family history?
More frequently an eldest or an only child. Eccentricity observed in at least 36% of detailed family histories, usually a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. (It should be noted that the family history method of estimating hereditary similarities and resemblances usually provides rather conservative estimates.)
Who is the psychiatrist who explains that eccentrics are physically healthier and significantly happier than “normal” people?
Their differences stretch the possibilities for all of us. In Eccentrics: A Study of Sanity and Strangeness , psychiatrist David Weeks explains that eccentrics are physically healthier and significantly happier than “normal” people. He notes that eccentrics are wildly diverse yet share common characteristics.
