Barbarian: Difference between revisions
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The term ''barbarian'' comes from the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] ''barbaroi'', which literally means "those who speak like sheep", an unflattering term for non-Greek-speakers. The ancient Greek definition of barbarian, therefore, was "anybody not Greek." This was similarly the origin of the name "[[Barbary|Barbary Coast]]" for North [[Africa]] as they talked a non-[[Europe]]an language there. |
The term ''barbarian'' comes from the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]] ''barbaroi'', which literally means "those who speak like sheep", an unflattering term for non-Greek-speakers. The ancient Greek definition of barbarian, therefore, was "anybody not Greek." This was similarly the origin of the name "[[Barbary|Barbary Coast]]" for North [[Africa]] as they talked a non-[[Europe]]an language there. |
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Because of a number of [[movie|motion pictures]], modern use of the word ''barbarian'' tends to refer to those persons |
Because of a number of [[movie|motion pictures]], modern use of the word ''barbarian'' tends to refer to those persons of migratory inclination who wore furs and carried large swords. |
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== See Also == |
== See Also == |
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Revision as of 03:50, 18 February 2006
Barbarian is a term generally used to refer to "primitive" people who lack "civilization". As such, it has been variously applied to the Goths, the Norse, the Germans, the French, the English, the Welsh, the Irish, the Scots, the Huns, Pagans, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and just about anyone the speaker doesn't like.
The term barbarian comes from the ancient Greek barbaroi, which literally means "those who speak like sheep", an unflattering term for non-Greek-speakers. The ancient Greek definition of barbarian, therefore, was "anybody not Greek." This was similarly the origin of the name "Barbary Coast" for North Africa as they talked a non-European language there.
Because of a number of motion pictures, modern use of the word barbarian tends to refer to those persons of migratory inclination who wore furs and carried large swords.
