omphaloskepsis
PRONUNCIATION:
noun:
1. Contemplation of one’s navel.
2. Complacent self-indulgent introspection.
1. Contemplation of one’s navel.
2. Complacent self-indulgent introspection.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek omphalos (navel) + skepsis (act of looking, examination). Ultimately from the Indo-European root spek- (to observe), which also gave us suspect, spectrum, bishop (literally, overseer), despise, espionage, telescope, spectator, and spectacles. Earliest documented use: 1925.
USAGE:
“[The club’s] demise has acted as a trigger for one of those periodic outbreaks of omphaloskepsis about the present and future of clubland.”
Jim Carroll; Ibiza’s Clubs May Be Following the Money — But There’s No Substitute for Great Music; Irish Times (Dublin); Sep 23, 2016.
Jim Carroll; Ibiza’s Clubs May Be Following the Money — But There’s No Substitute for Great Music; Irish Times (Dublin); Sep 23, 2016.