Barbarizing

/ˈbɑrbərɪzɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The process of making something barbarous or primitive, or adopting barbarous customs and behaviors.

Etymology

From 'barbarize' (to make barbarous) + '-ing' suffix. 'Barbarize' comes from Latin 'barbarus' meaning 'foreign' or 'savage,' originally describing non-Greek speakers. The suffix '-ing' forms present participles and gerunds.

Kelly Says

The ancient Greeks called anyone who didn't speak their language 'barbaros'—the word literally comes from the sound 'bar bar bar,' mimicking the incomprehensible babbling of foreign tongues. So 'barbarizing' is what happens when you're supposedly becoming less civilized, but really you're just doing things differently!

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