What does xenomania mean?
Xenomania is a formal noun meaning a strong attraction to foreigners, foreign peoples, or cultures different from those of one's own society. It may describe an admiration for foreign languages, customs, art, music, travel, or ways of life, and can convey either enthusiasm or an excessive fascination with things regarded as foreign. The word is not simply a positive opposite of xenophobia: xenophobia is hostility or fear directed toward outsiders, while xenomania names an attraction toward them. In careful writing, it is especially useful when discussing cross-cultural interests and the way foreign cultures can become objects of intense fascination. The term may be neutral when describing genuine admiration, but it can carry criticism when it suggests that foreign things are treasured merely because they are unfamiliar. It appears mostly in formal, literary, cultural, and critical contexts rather than in everyday conversation.
nounA strong or excessive attraction to strangers, foreign peoples, and cultures unlike one's own; an enthusiastic fascination with other cultures.
- A strong or excessive attraction to strangers, foreign peoples, and cultures unlike one's own.
"The essay explores her xenomania for Japanese art and literature without reducing it to a passing fashion."
"His xenomania for the customs of distant societies first appeared in his travel writings."
"The exhibition was sometimes criticized as an exercise in xenomania, presenting foreign artworks largely as exotic novelties."
Rare; xenomania is normally used in the singular as an abstract noun.
"Her writings reveal two distinct xenomanias: one for Mediterranean food and another for West African music."
Xenomania is the affectionate inverse of xenophobia: where xenophobia recoils from difference, xenomania reaches eagerly toward it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of xenomania
Xenomania combines Greek xenos, meaning "guest" or "stranger," with -mania, a suffix associated with intense or excessive love. Its formation reflects an early contrast with xenophobia: both terms focus on attitudes toward foreigners and foreign peoples. Related English words such as xenophile, xenophilia, xenophobia, and xenophobic retain the same Greek xenos element.
How xenomania is actually used
Chiefly formal and relatively uncommon. It can be approving, but it may also imply that the attraction to foreign people or culture is unusually strong or excessive.
Easily confused with xenomania
Xenomania denotes an attraction to foreigners or foreign cultures, whereas xenophobia denotes fear, hostility, or strong prejudice toward them.