What does epicurism mean?
Epicurism is a noun denoting the devoted pursuit of fine food and drink — a lifestyle centered on the pleasures of the table. It derives from the name of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, though it distorts his actual teaching: Epicurus advocated simple pleasures and peace of mind, not lavish feasting. In modern English, epicurism suggests luxurious, sometimes excessive indulgence in gastronomic delights, and it often carries a mildly disapproving or ironic tone, implying self-indulgence rather than innocent appreciation. The word is literary and somewhat old-fashioned, appearing more often in historical or satirical writing than everyday speech. It sits alongside related terms such as 'epicure' (a person who delights in fine food) and 'epicurean' (relating to Epicurus, or to sensory pleasure). For writers seeking a slightly elevated, wry way to describe gourmet excess, epicurism remains a precise and characterful choice.
nounThe practice or pursuit of luxurious, refined enjoyment of food and drink; devotion to sensual pleasures, especially of the palate.
- Indulgence in fine food and drink; refined or luxurious eating (often with a mildly disapproving tone).
"His lifelong epicurism made him a fixture at every notable restaurant in the city."
"A life of quiet epicurism suited her better than any career ever had."
"The essay satirized the court's epicurism while famine gripped the countryside."
Despite its name, epicurism has little to do with what the philosopher Epicurus actually taught — his idea of pleasure was a simple meal with friends, not a banquet.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epicurism
Epicurism comes from the name of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BC), whose school taught that pleasure — understood chiefly as freedom from pain and disturbance — was the highest good. The word entered English in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, when 'Epicure' had already come to mean a person devoted to sensual enjoyment, especially of food. Epicurism thus arose to name that indulgent way of living, retaining the popular misreading of Epicurus as an advocate of luxury rather than austere contentment. It shares its root with 'epicure' and 'epicurean'.
How epicurism is actually used
Somewhat literary and now relatively rare; it carries a faintly pejorative shade, suggesting self-indulgence rather than mere connoisseurship. 'Gastronomy' is the neutral term for refined food culture.
Easily confused with epicurism
Epicureanism is the ancient Greek philosophy founded by Epicurus that prized tranquility and freedom from pain, whereas epicurism refers more loosely and often pejoratively to indulgence in fine food and drink.