noun / adjective
philistine
FIL-ih-steen/ˈfɪlɪstiːn/
Indifferent or hostile to culture and intellectual pursuits, or a person with this attitude.
The philistine turns away from the painting with a dismissive wave.
Etymology
German Philister used the biblical enemy’s name as a student insult for townspeople. It broadened into a label for someone thought uncultured or hostile to the arts.
In context
Since then, the term Philistine instantly brands one as borish, backwards and uncultured.
More examples
- He calls himself a philistine because literature holds no interest for him.
- Her philistine attitude reduces every discussion of art to its price.
- His philistine remarks dismiss philosophy as a waste of time.
Forms
philistine · philistines
philistinism noun — Indifference or hostility toward culture and learning.
Similar words
- uncultured
- Describes lacking cultural knowledge rather than actively rejecting cultural pursuits.
- anti-intellectual
- Emphasizes opposition to intellectual pursuits rather than culture generally.