When a writer becomes a WORD - understand "Orwellian" and more

Introduction. Some writers and historical figures leave such a deep impact on culture that their very names become loaded with meaning. Learn the origin of adjectives like Orwellian, Quixotic, Masochistic, and more👇

Nietzschean. While Nietzschean is used in a "multitude of ways" due to the kaleidoscopic nature of Nietzsche's thought, Nietzschean is mostly used to describe action or people committed to "mentally or behaviorally overcoming the average."

Quixotic. To be quixotic is to be "idealistic or impractical" while chasing a great goal. The adjective comes from Don Quixote, a novel by de Cervantes in which an unimportant man loses his sanity and goes on "grand" adventures to serve his nation.

Masochistic. Inspired by the stories of Leopold Masoch, the term masochism means to "accept or even welcome" the lower position in a power hierarchy with another person, and to derive romantic and/or sexual satisfaction from the said lower position.

Dionysian. Inspired by Dionysus, the "Greek god of wine and pleasure," to be Dionysian means to be "content with disorder." Some people seek the comfort of order - Dionysian individuals, on the other hand, derive creative energy from chaos.

Sadist. Marquis de Sade was an 18th century French writer who wrote graphic pornographic novels that feature sexual debauchery. His novels feature young men and women being forced into sexual slavery. Today to be a sadist is to "watch or enjoy others’ harm or abuse."

Tantalizing. Tantalus had access to the table of Gods, but he stole nectar from them and redistributed it among mortals. He was cast into the underworld for this crime, his punishment being to stand in water to his neck that receded every time he bent to drink. Hence tantalizing.

Orwellian. Orwell's 1984 is a society of total surveillance and aggressive political "misinformation." Today, Orwellian is used to describe societies or governments that invade privacy, paint a thick layer of propaganda over inconvenient truths, and smother individuals.

Faustian. Faust is a scholar from German legend who made a deal with the devil to exchange his soul for Earthly dominion. Today, a Faustian bargain means to sacrifice one's long-term interests for short-term pleasure or satisfaction.

Machiavellian. Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat and philosopher known for his realistic and ruthless perspective on power and politics. To be Machiavellian in a broader context today means to employ "cunning or immoral tactics" to get and hold onto power.