Corinthianism
/kəˈrɪnθiənɪzəm/noun
A reputation or style of luxury, extravagance, and sexual licentiousness associated historically with Corinth.
Did you know?The Greek verb korinthiazesthai, “to live like a Corinthian,” became a proverbial expression for sexual immorality, although some ancient accusations against Corinth may reflect moralizing stereotypes.
Etymological Timeline
Mycenaean or Pre-Greek period
Greek
Korinthos
“The ancient place-name later rendered Corinth; its ultimate origin is uncertain and may predate Greek.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Korinthos
“Corinth, the wealthy Greek city famed for trade, luxury, and cosmopolitan culture.”
5th–4th Century BCE
Greek
korinthiazesthai
“To live like a Corinthian, especially to behave luxuriously or sexually licentiously.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Corinthius
“Of or relating to Corinth; Latin writers helped preserve Corinth as a symbol of opulence and indulgence.”
16th–17th Century
English
Corinthian
“Associated with Corinth; later also applied to a person considered luxurious, dissipated, or morally loose.”
19th Century
English
Corinthianism
“The condition or practice of Corinthian-style luxury, extravagance, or licentiousness.”
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