What does mannerism mean?
Mannerism is a noun meaning a distinctive personal habit or style, especially one that is conspicuous, exaggerated, or affected. A speaker might display a mannerism in the way they pause or use a particular gesture, while a writer might be known for a mannerism of ornate sentence construction. The word can also have a historical art-critical sense: Mannerism was an artistic style in late Renaissance Europe marked by artificial elegance, elongated forms, compressed or ambiguous spaces, and a departure from classical balance. In ordinary modern usage, mannerism is usually mildly critical or amused rather than wholly hostile, though context can make it sound dismissive. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a recurring personal style from an ordinary habit: a mannerism is noticed because it characterizes how someone speaks, writes, moves, or creates.
nounA mannerism is a distinctive, often conspicuous style of behaviour, speech, or artistic expression. In art history, the term also refers to the artificial elegance and exaggerated forms associated with European Mannerism of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
- A distinctive personal habit or stylistic quirk, especially one that is conspicuous, affected, or memorable.
- A deliberately artificial, elegant, or exaggerated style in art or literature, particularly that associated with European Mannerism of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
"His habit of ending every sentence with a theatrical flourish was widely regarded as a charming mannerism."
"The singer has a distinctive mannerism of holding the final note a fraction too long."
"The exhibition explores the elongated figures, compressed spaces, and artificial elegance characteristic of Mannerism."
The standard plural, used for several individual habits, quirks, or characteristic stylistic features.
"The critic identified several mannerisms in the director's deliberately theatrical staging."
Mannerism ultimately reaches back to the Latin word for “hand”: its signature is the distinctive way an artist or speaker handles style and expression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mannerism come from?
The word entered English through French, from the Italian manierismo, a form built on maniera, meaning “style” or “manner.” These words ultimately derive from Latin manus, meaning “hand,” through a development emphasizing manner, method, or handling. The art-historical sense developed in connection with Italian and European artistic practices of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, while the general sense for an individual stylistic habit developed from the broader idea of manner or way.
How mannerism is actually used
In general use, mannerism often suggests an individual habit that may be charming, eccentric, or affected. In art history, it is a more specific historical term and is commonly capitalized when referring to the European movement. The plural mannerisms is standard for both individual quirks and the broader collection of stylistic features.