euphuism

American  

[yoo-fyoo-iz-uhm] / ˈyu fyuˌɪz əm /

noun

1. an affected style in imitation of that of Lyly, fashionable in England about the end of the 16th century, characterized chiefly by long series of antitheses and frequent similes relating to mythological natural history, and alliteration.

2. any similar ornate style of writing or speaking; high-flown, periphrastic language.

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euphuism British  

/ ˈjuːfjuːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. an artificial prose style of the Elizabethan period, marked by extreme use of antithesis, alliteration, and extended similes and allusions

2. any stylish affectation in speech or writing, esp a rhetorical device or expression

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Other Word Forms

• euphuist noun
• euphuistic adjective
• euphuistical adjective
• euphuistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of euphuism

First recorded in 1590–1600; Euphu(es) + -ism

Example Sentences

"We're losing the war," he insists, adding with a flourish of Romneyesque euphuism: "The Viet Nam tail is wagging our global dog."

From Time Magazine Archive

Above all, none of the grandiosity and architectural euphuism of the American "signature" museum.

From Time Magazine Archive

I make a special mention of this point, as we shall find it has a certain connexion with the subject of the origins of euphuism.

From John Lyly by Wilson, John Dover

Landmann ascribes euphuism to Spain, Symonds ascribes it to Italy, and an equally good case might be made out in favour of France.

From John Lyly by Wilson, John Dover

We can, however, dismiss this second branch of our subject in fewer words, because the problem of Euphues is much simpler and more straightforward than the problem of euphuism.

From John Lyly by Wilson, John Dover