Genteelism

/dʒɛnˈtilɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The practice, attitude, or system of cultivating or maintaining an appearance of refinement, elegance, and upper-class manners.

Etymology

From 'genteel' + '-ism' (system, practice, or state of being), creating a noun that describes genteelness as a deliberate social philosophy or lifestyle choice.

Kelly Says

Genteelism captures something very Victorian—the idea that refinement isn't something you're born with but something you *perform* through the right behaviors, clothes, and speech patterns.

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