Exoticity

/ˌɛɡzɑːˈtɪsɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being exotic; the distinctive foreign or unusual nature of something.

Etymology

From exotic + the suffix -ity. This noun form treats exoticism as an intrinsic property or quality rather than a cultural practice.

Kelly Says

The exoticity of a place can change overnight—once Instagram makes somewhere famous, it loses the exotic quality that made it fascinating in the first place!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Another nominalization of 'exotic' emphasizing essential 'otherness.' Historically weaponized in imperial contexts to justify hierarchy and to justify the objectification of non-Western peoples, especially women.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid. Use specific descriptors (rarity, unfamiliarity, cultural specificity) instead of this reductive abstraction.

Inclusive Alternatives

["distinctiveness","cultural specificity","unfamiliarity"]

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.