omphaloskepsis

American  

[om-fuh-loh-skep-sis] / ˌɒm fə loʊˈskɛp sɪs /

noun

1. 1. contemplation of one's navel as part of a mystical exercise.

   2. navel-gazing.

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Etymology

Origin of omphaloskepsis

First recorded in 1925–30; omphalo(s) + Greek sképsis “observation, perception,” equivalent to skep- (stem of sképtesthai “to observe, examine”); see origin at skeptic ( def. ), -sis

Explanation

As funny as it may sound, omphaloskepsis is a word for being obsessed with your own navel. People use it as a way to describe someone who is so self-absorbed that he's lost all perspective. The noun omphaloskepsis literally means "the contemplation of one's navel," and you could use when you see a little kid who is obsessed with his belly button. More often, it describes being so wrapped up in yourself that you lose track of the world around you — a metaphorical navel-gazing. The Ancient Greek root words omphalos, "navel," and skepsis, "reflection," combine to make a great way of describing a tendency to be self-absorbed.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

omphaloskepsis

In an especially gorgeous slow movement, Dudamel revealed Mahler’s ethereal omphaloskepsis as navel gazing with Buddha-level profundity.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2021