Discover the Meaning Behind the Intriguing Term 'Khlishch'

In this series, we delve into the meanings of intriguing and less common words, uncovering their origins and cultural context.

Khlishch

A masculine, animate, common noun.

Definition

A flashy, self-satisfied, and superficial young man who enjoys showing off.

Synonyms

Dandy, fop, dashing fellow.

Origin

The term gained widespread literary popularity thanks to the writer Ivan Panaev, who in the mid-19th century published a series of feuilletons in the magazine "Sovremennik" featuring various types of "khlishchs": "High Society Khlishch," "Provincial Khlishch," and "University Khlishch." Panaev borrowed the word from the slang used among literary circles in the 1840s, which itself originated from the everyday speech of diverse ethnic groups across Russia.

Interestingly, "khlishch" was absent from early Russian literary dictionaries until Vladimir Dal's comprehensive dictionary, where it was noted as a synonym for "khlyst." Both terms were described as meaning "dandy, fop, gallant, rake, or boastful person."

Usage Examples

• "He was by no means the best London actor, but he excelled in portraying the foolish khlishch, a role indispensable in comedies until recently." – Pat Rogers, "Henry Fielding: A Biography."
• "This culture grants the pampered khlishch the right to abuse our wives and punish us without limit." – Vladimir Zazubrin, "Two Worlds."
• "Even if we offer him pyramids of gold, silver, and precious gems, he will do nothing because he is a spoiled child whom the Assyrian envoy Sargon called nothing but a khlishch." – Bolesław Prus, "Pharaoh."

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