bohemianism
|bo-he-mi-an-ism|
🇺🇸
/boʊˈhiː.mi.əˌnɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/bəʊˈhiː.mi.əˌnɪz(ə)m/
unconventional artistic life
Etymology
'bohemianism' originates from French and Latin-derived place-name forms, specifically from French 'bohémien' and the place-name 'Bohemia' (Latin 'Boiohaemum'), where 'Boio-' referred to the Celtic tribe 'Boii' and '-haemum' (heim) meant 'home'.
'bohemianism' changed from French 'bohémien' (originally used for Roma people thought to come from Bohemia) into English 'bohemian' meaning 'an unconventional person, especially an artist', and eventually the abstract noun 'bohemianism' was formed with the suffix '-ism' to denote the lifestyle or movement.
Initially it meant 'an inhabitant of Bohemia' or was applied to Roma people associated (erroneously) with Bohemia; over time it evolved to mean 'an unconventional, often artistic way of life' and the cultural attitudes associated with that life.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a way of life and social practice marked by unconventional, often artistic or literary pursuits, a rejection of conventional social norms, and sometimes deliberate poverty or carefree living.
Many young writers in the quarter embraced bohemianism, preferring small studios and long nights of conversation to respectable careers.
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Noun 2
the cultural movement, attitudes, or ethos associated with bohemians — emphasizing artistic freedom, improvisation, and anti-materialism.
Bohemianism influenced fashion and literature in the late 19th century, promoting experimental forms and lifestyles.
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Last updated: 2025/10/23 02:13