fetish

fetish

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "fetish" is /ˈfɛtɪʃ/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:

• fet: /fɛt/

• /f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative

• /ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel (like the "e" in "bed")

• /t/ - voiceless alveolar stop

• ish: /ɪʃ/

• /ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (like the "i" in "bit")

• /ʃ/ - voiceless post-alveolar fricative (like "sh" in "ship")

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Word Form Variations

• fetish: (singular noun) This is the base form.

• fetishes: (plural noun) This is the plural form, referring to multiple fetishes.

• fetishistic: (adjective) This describes something related to or characterized by fetishism.

• fetishistically: (adverb) This modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, describing how something is done in a fetishistic manner.

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun:

• fetish (n.): 1. An object or practice believed to have magical powers, especially one that is revered or worshipped. 2. A strong and unusual sexual desire for a particular object, part of the body, or activity. 3. An obsessive interest in or preoccupation with something.

• Synonyms (sense 1): idol, charm, amulet, talisman, totem, sacred object, relic

• Antonyms (sense 1): (Generally, the concept doesn't have direct antonyms, but could be contrasted with) disdain, disregard, irreverence

• Synonyms (sense 2): paraphilia, fixation, obsession, desire, craving

• Antonyms (sense 2): (Again, no direct antonyms, but could be contrasted with) indifference, aversion, disinterest

• Synonyms (sense 3): preoccupation, fixation, obsession, mania, enthusiasm

• Antonyms (sense 3): disinterest, apathy, indifference

Adjective:

• fetishistic (adj.): Relating to or characterized by fetishism; marked by an obsessive interest.

• Synonyms: obsessive, fixated, preoccupied, compulsive, deviant (in the sexual sense)

• Antonyms: indifferent, apathetic, disinterested, non-obsessive

Adverb:

• fetishistically (adv.): In a fetishistic manner; with obsessive interest.

• Synonyms: obsessively, compulsively, fixatedly, with preoccupation

• Antonyms: indifferently, apathetically, without interest

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Examples of Use

Noun (Object of Worship/Belief):

• "The anthropologist studied the tribe's reverence for the sacred fetish, a carved wooden figure believed to hold the spirits of their ancestors." (Hypothetical example, reflecting anthropological studies)

• "Many cultures have objects considered fetishes that are believed to bring good luck or protection." (General public discourse)

Noun (Sexual Fetish):

• "In her therapy sessions, she explored the origins of her fetish for vintage clothing." (Hypothetical example, reflecting psychological discussions)

• "Articles on sexuality often discuss various fetishes, emphasizing the importance of consent and safe practices." (Online publications, health/lifestyle websites)

• "The movie explored the complex relationship between a dominatrix and her client, delving into the dynamics of power and fetish." (Entertainment media, film review or discussion)

Noun (Obsessive Interest):

• "He had a fetish for collecting rare stamps, spending hours meticulously organizing his collection." (General public discourse)

• "The tech world has developed a fetish for the latest gadgets, with consumers eagerly awaiting each new release." (Newspaper article or blog post discussing consumer trends)

Adjective (Fetishistic):

• "His fetishistic attention to detail made him an excellent watchmaker." (Hypothetical example)

• "Some critics described the artist's work as having a fetishistic quality, focusing on specific body parts or objects." (Art review, online publication)

Adverb (Fetishistically):

• "He fetishistically cleaned his car every Sunday, polishing it until it gleamed." (Hypothetical example)

• "The photographer fetishistically arranged the objects in the still life, paying close attention to every detail." (Discussion of photography techniques, online forum or blog)

General Public Discourse/Social Commentary:

• "The media's fetish with celebrity gossip often overshadows important news stories." (Opinion piece in a newspaper or online publication)

• "There's a fetish for youth and beauty in our society, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and body image issues." (Discussion on social issues, blog post or online forum)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Fetish

1. "Power has always been the ultimate fetish." – George Orwell

2. "We have made a fetish out of youth, while neglecting the wisdom of age." – Gloria Steinem

3. "Cleanliness is a fetish in the modern world." – Aldous Huxley

4. "The market has become a fetish, worshipped blindly." – Noam Chomsky

5. "In fashion, fetish becomes a function." – Alexander McQueen

6. "Some people have a fetish for control—they don’t want love, they want power." – Unknown

7. "Technology is our newest fetish—shiny, fast, and emotionally empty." – Jaron Lanier

8. "Fetish objects are just mirrors for our fears and desires." – Jean Baudrillard

9. "Perfection is a dangerous fetish." – Elizabeth Gilbert

10. "We’ve turned progress into a fetish, forgetting its purpose." – Cornel West

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Etymology

The word "fetish" ultimately comes from the Portuguese word feitiço, which meant "charm," "sorcery," or "artificial." Think of it like something made or crafted, often with magical or spiritual significance. The Portuguese used this word when they encountered objects in Africa that they believed had magical powers. These objects were often revered or worshipped.

The word then traveled to French as fétiche. It was in French that the word began to take on a broader meaning, encompassing not just the objects themselves but also the idea of attributing supernatural powers to inanimate things.

The first recorded use of "fetish" in English was in the early 17th century, around the 1620s. Initially, it was used to describe objects worshipped by people in Africa, reflecting the original Portuguese meaning. So, the earliest meaning was tied to the idea of a charm or idol, something believed to have magical power.

Over time, the meaning of "fetish" evolved. While it still sometimes refers to objects of reverence, it also developed the more common modern meaning of a strong and unusual sexual desire or fixation. This shift in meaning happened gradually, likely through the association of intense desire and focus with the reverence given to religious or magical objects. The idea is that the object of the fetish becomes the center of attention and desire, almost like a worshipped idol.

So, in short:

1. It started with the Portuguese word for "charm" or "sorcery."

2. It was used to describe objects of worship in Africa.

3. It broadened in French to include the idea of attributing magical power.

4. It entered English describing those objects.

5. It eventually developed the modern meaning related to sexual desire and obsession.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Fetish

Challenges with "Fetish" in Idioms:

• Specificity: The word often refers to quite specific interests, making it less suitable for general idioms.

• Sensitivity: The sexual connotation can make it less likely to appear in everyday, lighthearted phrases.

• Formality: "Fetish" can sound a bit formal or clinical, not ideal for the casual nature of idioms.

Exploring Related Concepts and Phrases:

Since direct idioms are scarce, we can look at the core ideas behind "fetish" (strong interest, obsession, object of desire) and create some illustrative phrases:

Relating to Obsession/Strong Interest:

• "He's got a real fetish for vintage motorcycles." (This isn't an idiom, but a common way to express a strong interest.)

• "She's fixated on that new phone; it's like a fetish." (Using a synonym to create a similar effect)

• "He's hung up on the details." (Idiom suggesting obsessive focus, similar to a "fetish" for details)

• "She's got it bad for that designer handbag." (Idiom expressing strong desire, similar to a "fetish" for an object)

• "He's nuts about collecting stamps." (Idiom for strong enthusiasm, comparable to a "fetish" for a hobby)

Relating to Objects of Desire:

• "That car is his pride and joy." (Idiom for something cherished, like a "fetish" object)

• "She treats her collection like gold dust." (Idiom expressing preciousness, reflecting the value placed on a "fetish")

• "He worships his guitar." (Hyperbole suggesting reverence, similar to the original meaning of "fetish")

Original Phrases:

• "He's got a fetish for the perfect cup of coffee." (Illustrating a strong, perhaps obsessive, interest)

• "She fetishizes punctuality." (Describing an almost obsessive adherence to being on time)

• "He's married to his work." (Idiom suggesting devotion, similar to a "fetish" for one's job)

Metaphorical Extensions:

• "The media has a fetish for celebrity scandals." (Criticizing an excessive focus on something)

• "Our culture has a fetish for youth." (Highlighting an overemphasis on something)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of fetish from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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