A style of speech, writing, or expression characteristic of Attica or ancient Athens; refinement or elegance of language inspired by Athenian culture.
From Attic (relating to Attica) + -ism (distinctive practice or style). This traces back to ancient Greek Attike (of Attica), with the Romans particularly admiring and imitating Athenian speech patterns.
Roman scholars were basically the ultimate ancient Greek fanboys—they coined 'Atticism' to praise writing that copied the elegant, precise style of Athens, making it the intellectual gold standard of their time.
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