Artsy

/ˈɑːrtsi/ adjective

Definition

Interested in or showing a strong interest in art and creative activities; also used somewhat mockingly to describe someone who tries too hard to seem artistic or intellectual.

Etymology

From 'art' plus '-sy' (diminutive/informal suffix). Emerged in the early 20th century as a casual, informal way to describe artistic interest or pretension.

Kelly Says

The word 'artsy' has built-in mockery—you rarely hear genuine artists call themselves artsy; instead it's used for people who *like* art or perform artiness, revealing how the English language includes subtle social judgment in its very grammar.

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