mannerism

/ˌmænəˈrɪzəm/

/ˈmænərɪzəm/

Other forms: mannerisms

Does someone you know always shrug in a particular way or say "You know what I mean?" at the end of every sentence? Well, that's a mannerism, a habitual gesture or way of speaking.

Generally, we don't use then term mannerism as a critical term for our friends' behavior, but when applied as a term of art criticism, it can be a negative thing. If a critic talks about a writer's mannerisms, for example, it's probably intended as an insult — suggesting they're writing in a lazy or clichéd way. However, Mannerism, with a capital "M," refers to a specific 16th-century Italian style of painting known for its artificial (as opposed to naturalistic) effects.

Definitions of mannerism

1. noun

   a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
   synonyms: foible, idiosyncrasy

   type of:

   distinctiveness, peculiarity, speciality, specialness, specialty

   a distinguishing trait
2. noun

   a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
   synonyms: affectation, affectedness, pose

   types:

   attitude

   a theatrical pose created for effect

   radical chic

   an affectation of radical left-wing views and the fashionable dress and lifestyle that goes with them

   type of:

   feigning, pretence, pretending, pretense, simulation

   the act of giving a false appearance