lookism

American  

[look-iz-uhm] / ˈlʊk ɪz əm /

noun

1. discrimination or prejudice based on a person's physical appearance.

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lookism British  

/ ˈlʊkɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination against a person on the grounds of physical appearance

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Other Word Forms

• lookist adjective

Etymology

Origin of lookism

First recorded in 1985–1990

Example Sentences

Her biggest score, “At Seventeen,” which reached No. 2 in 1975, confronted lookism and bullying with a candor that anticipated the work of contemporary artists including Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato and Lizzo.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2022

So a repudiation of lookism has always been part of the musical, and indeed the underlying story.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2021

Incels share a belief that they are victims of "lookism."

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2021

SIR — The Economist has a record of lookism, describing Nelson Mandela as “handsome”, praising Enrique Peña Nieto’s “boyish good looks” and Justin Trudeau’s “good looks”.

From Economist • Feb. 13, 2014

When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question:  “Is this person in between me and what I want to do?”

From Slate • Jan. 30, 2013