Idiosyncrasy
Idiosyncrasy is a peculiar behavior characteristic of an individual or a certain group .
The term has several meanings, varying according to the Communication” in the 1960s. The historical context in which it is used, and it can also be applied to symbols that mean something to a particular person.
It is responsible for creating stereotypes in the case of social groups. For example, saying that all Brazilians like football and samba, as a particular characteristic of the people, is an idiosyncrasy of Brazilians.
However, there are Brazilians who don’t like football or samba and are still considered Brazilians for that.
Etymologically, it comes from the Greek idiosugkrasía , which means “particular temperament”.
In the field of economics, idiosyncrasy is part of the so-called portfolio theory, when there are risks of price changes due to special circumstances in certain cases.
In religion, it is the strange behavior or different from the usual of people of a certain religious doctrine, for example.
Observational comedy is very much based on idiosyncrasies, because the details of certain individuals’ conduct can be quite funny.
What is idiosyncrasy made up of?
One of the best ways to know the characteristics and identity of a place is through its behavior, conduct, thoughts and as a result of that a deeper vision of that town can be made. All this is what encompasses idiosyncrasy.
Those distinctive features, what differentiates a place are aspects that designate this term.
Idiosyncrasy in medicine
It in medicine refers to the way doctors defined diseases in the 19th century, that is, each disease was related to each patient, and not in biological and scientific evidence as is currently the case.
In psychiatry, the term is a specific mental condition of a patient, and in psychoanalysis it is Chinese . In addition, it was used to refer to the way individuals react, perceive and experience a common situation.
Idiosyncrasy and Pharmacology
It may be related to pharmacology, as it represents a particular individual reaction to a therapeutic agent.
Idiosyncrasy is a congenital constitutional hypersensitivity that certain individuals present when exposed to certain substances. For example: pollen in predisposed individuals can cause hay fever (allergic reaction).
Examples
These are some examples:
- Idiosyncrasy in Argentina: In this case we can point out some characteristic features that the inhabitants of this country usually share, and that are easily recognizable to someone outside. For example, soccer fans, drinking mate, affectionate greetings, barbecues, etc.
- Idiosyncrasy in Spain : In this country some distinctive features can be highlighted, behaviors that make it a country recognized for its siesta, tapas, flamenco, friendly attitudes, among others.
- Idiosyncrasy in Mexico: The idiosyncrasy of the Mexican stands out for its affectionate, supportive, traditional, patriotic, spicy food, etc.
These are some examples where you can guess the habits, beliefs and behaviors of the individuals and social groups themselves.
