orientalism

Meanings

1. The tendency to represent eastern subjects, to assume stylistical characteristics original of the East, especially in 19th century Europe.
2. An Eastern word, expression, or custom.
3. A patronizing Western attitude towards Middle Eastern, Asian, and North African societies.

1. Alternative letter-case form of orientalism.

Etymology

From French orientalisme, from oriental (“eastern, Oriental”). In the sense “patronizing Western attitude” popularized by Edward Said's 1978 book Orientalism. Equivalent to Oriental + -ism.