Faineantise

/ˌfeɪniˈæntaɪz/ noun

Definition

The practice or habit of being idle and lazy; a pattern of avoidance of work and responsibility through indolence.

Etymology

From 'faineant' + -ise (suffix forming abstract nouns), following the pattern of words like 'merchandise' where -ise creates a noun from an adjective.

Kelly Says

This is an extremely rare English word that combines French and English word-formation rules—it's the kind of word you'll almost never hear but will find in unabridged historical dictionaries!

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