Pariah
Noun
Definition: An outcast or a person who is rejected and despised by society.
Synonyms: Outcast, Untouchable, Social outcast
Antonyms: Accepted, Popular, Welcomed
- After his involvement in the scandal, he became a social pariah.
- The homeless man felt like a pariah, ignored and excluded by passersby.
- Think of the word "Pariah" as someone being "paria(h)t" or isolated from society.
Etymology:
The word "Pariah" comes from the Tamil word "paraiyan," which means "drummer" or "ritualist." In the caste system of India, the Paraiyars were considered the lowest social caste and were often assigned menial and degrading roles in society.
Historical Usage:Initially used to refer to the Paraiyars in India, the term "pariah" later gained a broader meaning in English to describe any person who is treated as an outcast or despised by society.
Related Idioms:
"Social pariah"
Explanation:Refers to someone who is shunned or avoided in social circles due to their reputation or actions.
Misconceptions:
Some may mistakenly believe that a pariah is merely an unpopular person, but it goes beyond that. A pariah is someone who is actively rejected and despised by society, often due to extreme social stigma or disapproval.
Explanation:A pariah experiences exclusion and scorn, not just lack of popularity.