fetish
C1Formal/Academic, Clinical Psychology, Specialized
Definition
Meaning
An object believed to have magical power, or to which someone has an irrational, obsessive attachment.
In psychology/sexology: an object, body part, or activity that is necessary for sexual arousal. In general culture: an intense and irrational devotion or focus.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has a primary anthropological/religious meaning, a dominant psychological/sexual meaning, and a popular extended meaning of 'excessive devotion.' The context determines which meaning is primary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage in academic anthropology and general language is the same. The word is more frequently encountered in US media discourse on psychology/sexuality.
Connotations
In both dialects, the sexual connotation is the most salient in non-academic contexts. The anthropological sense is purely academic.
Frequency
Slightly higher overall frequency in American English, primarily due to prevalence in popular psychology and media discussions of sexuality.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a fetish for [NP/V-ing]make a fetish of [NP/V-ing]fetish for [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make a fetish of something (to treat something as overly important).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The company made a fetish of quarterly growth targets.'
Academic
Common in anthropology (religious objects), psychology, cultural studies, and sociology.
Everyday
Most commonly understood in its sexual/psychological sense; can be used jokingly for mild obsessions ('I have a fetish for stationery').
Technical
A clinical term in psychology/sexology (paraphilia).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare) To fetishise an idea is to give it undue importance.
American English
- (Rare) The media tends to fetishize celebrity lifestyles.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare) He collected the items fetishistically.
American English
- (Extremely rare) She fetishistically organized her books by color.
adjective
British English
- (Rare) The fetishistic aspect of the ritual was documented.
American English
- (Rare) His collection had a fetishistic quality to it.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some cultures believe a fetish can bring good luck.
- He has a real fetish for new shoes.
- In anthropology, a fetish is an object believed to have supernatural powers.
- The film explored the protagonist's foot fetish.
- She made a fetish of always being the first to arrive.
- The study analyzed the commodity fetishism inherent in capitalist societies.
- His fetish for precision bordered on the pathological.
- The therapist discussed the difference between a preference and a paraphilic fetish.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FETISH' = 'FEET' (a common focus) + 'ISH' (like 'childish' obsession).
Conceptual Metaphor
OBJECT IS A SOURCE OF POWER / ATTENTION IS A POSSESSIVE ATTACHMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct association with Russian 'фетиш' in casual contexts, as the English word has a much stronger and specific sexual connotation.
- The Russian word can mean 'trendy accessory' (модный фетиш), which is a weaker, misleading equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fetish' to mean a simple 'hobby' or 'interest' without the connotation of irrationality/obsession.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈfiː.tɪʃ/ (like 'feet').
Practice
Quiz
In an academic paper on West African religions, the word 'fetish' most likely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its original and academic meaning is anthropological, referring to a magical object. However, in everyday modern usage, the sexual meaning is dominant and most immediately understood.
In colloquial use, they overlap. Technically, a 'fetish' (in sexology) is a specific object or non-genital body part necessary for arousal. A 'kink' is a broader term for unconventional sexual practices or preferences.
In its anthropological sense, it is neutral. In its psychological sense, it is a clinical descriptor. In general metaphor ('make a fetish of'), it is usually negative, implying an unhealthy obsession.
A concept from Marxist theory where social relationships between people are expressed as relationships between commodities (goods for sale), obscuring the true economic exploitation involved in their production.
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