what is english eccentricity?

Question

and does it still exist?

Answer 1

In popular usage, eccentricity refers to unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is contrasted with "normal" behavior, the nearly universal means by which individuals in society solve given problems and pursue certain priorities in everyday life. For people who consistently display benignly eccentric behavior, there is a label: "eccentrics".
Eccentricity is often associated with genius, giftedness, or extreme creativity. The individual's eccentric behavior is perceived to be the outward expression of his or her unique intelligence or creative impulse[1].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. In this vein, Edith Sitwell wrote:

Eccentricity is not, as some would believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd.

A person who is simply in a "fish out of water" situation is not, by the strictest definition, an eccentric since, presumably, he or she may be ordinary by the conventions of his or her native environment.

Eccentrics may comprehend the standards for normal behavior in their culture, or they may not. They are simply unconcerned by society's disapproval of their habits or beliefs. Many of history's most brilliant minds have displayed many unusual behaviors and habits.

Some eccentrics are cranks, rather than geniuses. Eccentric behavior is often considered whimsical or quirky, although it can also be strange and disturbing. American billionaire Howard Hughes, for example, was considered to be very eccentric in his old age. He became a figure of pity when news of his unusual behavior was revealed. It was rumored that he stored his urine in glass jars and never cut his hair or nails. Despite his strange behavior, Howard Hughes was a brilliant financier and aircraft engineer.

Other people may have eccentric taste in clothes, or have eccentric hobbies or collections which they pursue with great vigour. They may have a pedantic and precise manner of speaking, intermingled with inventive wordplay.

Behavioral eccentricities have often been classically associated with psychological profiles indicating overcompensation, insecurities, unresolved childhood issues, involuntary celibacy and other sexual issues, repressed feelings, social ineptness, monomania, or a variety of other influences, even if the person would not necessarily be classified as insane. Some accepted psychological profiles that are commonly attributed to eccentrics are the Oedipus complex (a primal desire on the part of a young male to compete with his father for his mother's love and affection), Napoleon complex (colloquial term used to describe a type of inferiority complex suffered by people who are short), Peter Pan Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and autism spectrum disorders, most notably Asperger syndrome. Eccentric behavior has also been attributed to drug use.

Many individuals may even manifest eccentricities consciously and deliberately, in attempting to differentiate themselves from societal norms or enhance a sense of inimitable identity; given the overwhelmingly positive stereotypes (at least in pop culture and especially with fictional characters) often associated with eccentricity, detailed above, it would seem only natural that certain individuals would seek to be associated with this sort of character type. However, this is not always successful and the individual in question may simply be dismissed by others as just seeking attention.

Extravagance is a kind of eccentricity, related to abundance and wastefulness; refer to description in hyperbole.

Answer 2

English eccentricity is the persuance of interests or creative
skills in a spontaneous style that is unique to the person who is highly unconventional and individual; most of Britains' best actors, writers and explorers have been highly eccentric. Eccentricity is virtually extinct in Britain today except by those who effect it as an act to gain attention in the media. Indeed so conventional and conditioned is British life to dumbed down consumerism,
apathy and passivity, that genuinely creative unconventional individuals are almost always attacked through invective or even physical violence.

Answer 3

This trait of the English has diminished, along with our class structure, particularly since the sixties to the extent that it is, now, only a nostalgic memory. It was attributed mainly to individuals of the middle or upper classes and manifested itself through non-conformity with social expectations. Working classes had too much on their hands earning a living, and too much to lose to indulge in eccentricity. This behaviour could be deliberate or unintentional and usually stopped short of being overly offensive or threatening to others. As class structure has broken down we have become less concerned about keeping others happy with our behaviour. Most, fortunately, try to remain within the law. Disputes with neighbours, noise abatement, ASBOS, yes -English eccentricity no!

Answer 4

Traditionally by such acts as "mad dogs and Englishmen" going out "in the midday sun" while lesser mortals from other European nations collapse into their beds. But when the lesser mortals emerge from their beds after "siesta" or whatever everything "stops for tea" for the English.

Sadly these eccentricities which helped create the greatest Empire in world history, no longer apply to the average English person nor to the lesser mortals.

Answer 5

I consider myself to be eccentric and I am engligh!

eccentricity refers to unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive. Eccentricity is contrasted with "normal" behavior, the nearly universal means by which individuals in society solve given problems and pursue certain priorities in everyday life

Eccentrics may comprehend the standards for normal behavior in their culture, or they may not. They are simply unconcerned by society's disapproval of their habits or beliefs. Many of history's most brilliant minds have displayed many unusual behaviors and habits

Eccentricity is often associated with genius, giftedness, or extreme creativity. The individual's eccentric behavior is perceived to be the outward expression of his or her unique intelligence or creative impulse[1].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

Answer 6

England is the paradise of individuality ,eccentricity ,heresy ,anomalies ,hobbies and humour .Does eccentricity still exist ? Well in our house its alive and kicking .

Answer 7

Hahahah..Eccentric... well we are not circular, that's for sure , or sheep, We have an individual, mind ,humour, look and etiquette. that our society breeds. We all strive to be an individual and discovered... Or if not offer you a nice cup of earl grey tea and a slice of fruit cake..cheers

Answer 8

Keith Moon, Charlie Watts, Michael Palin, and Peter Sellers. Thank goodness it exists.

Answer 9

Years ago if you were poor you were mad or crazy or insane.
If you were rich you were just eccentric.

It is used nowadays to describe older people who are a little bit "different" ... weird dress sense, Odd behaviour etc.

Answer 10

I think and me included that the whole lot are nuts.