Laicism
See that guy over there? He's a layman. I actually didn't know this word existed until last night. I was familiar with its root, laic, which means of or relating to laity, as opposed to matters of the clergy, or in other words, secular. But then when I was researching laic, last night, I came across laicism, which is so much more awesome.
la·i·ci·sm [ˈlā-ə-ˌsi-zəm] n. 1. doctrine of opposition to clergy and priests 2. the nonclerical, or secular, control of political and social institutions in a society
Synonyms: there are no direct synonyms for this word, but some related words are, secularism, laity, laical, laically
Etymology: the etymology can only be found for the root word, laic: 1560s, from Fr. laïque (16c.), from L.L. laicus, from Gk. laikos "of or belonging to the people," from laos "people" (see lay (adj.)).
Note: I've installed the A to Z navigation buttons on my side bar, to the right over there (just below the follower widget). Feel free to play with them, as it's a fun way to visit the participating blogs. If you want to know more, or would like to get the code for your own blog, visit the post from the creator, Marcus Clearspring.
Huh, so, someone practicing lacism could be labelled a lacist? Why does that make me giggle?
ReplyDeleteLacist? Ha, ha! Great "L" post.
ReplyDeleteHoly Crap! I wrote on M today. I think I'm a letter ahead. Blah....
ReplyDeleteHaha...just read Rusty's response. Nice.
cool word
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've been looking for those buttons this year. Seek no more. Yes, I've heard this term used for people in a church, not meaning opposition to priests, but unordained people who might still preach.
ReplyDeleteDenise
I'm learning so much with these A to Z Challenge posts.
ReplyDeleteHadn't hear of this word either. What an education your posts are this month, Matt.
ReplyDeleteWhere'd you get the buttons?
What do ya know? I used that in my YA horror novel yesterday.
ReplyDeleteNot! :D
Another new one. Not sure how I would use it in a sentence though. Enlightening.
ReplyDeleteI was familiar with layman but not laicism. Cool. And the A-Z buttons are great! (:
ReplyDeletei wonder if lazy is derived from that word, given its meaning... hmmm
ReplyDeletelike your a-z buttons & surprises!
and i might offer my query for crit, but you seem to be so busy!
Very nice word! The button is also great too.
ReplyDeleteJust a Nice Girl
@ Tara, I'll be open to queries again next month. I would have emailed you, but your blogger account goes to noreply@blogger.com
ReplyDeleteOooh I like this word!! It's a good word!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
I 've never heard this one! Thanks for the new word, Matthew. I figure my lack is due to my religious upbringing being rooted in a group with no priests. Well, it's a possible reason. ; )
ReplyDeleteYou made Rusty giggle - well done!
ReplyDeleteOooh,I love learning new words. I'm going to try and use that in a sentence today. Which means I'll get some weird looks, but that's nothing new for me.
ReplyDeleteI resemble that statement...
ReplyDeleteGreat word! Now to remember the spelling!
ReplyDeleteI can't but help second Rusty. That's a little funny. We're all very mature today.
ReplyDeleteI would have jumped on guessing it similar to layman, but there is certainly a difference.
ReplyDeleteGood one Matthew and I hope you enjoy the weekend.
Great word.
ReplyDeleteWell, i'm really familiar with Layman as a word, but i've never heard of laicism or any of those related words.
ReplyDeleteThe more you know!!
Hmm, opposition to priest? Gotta love that! Uh oh, my breakaway Catholic is showing. I simply must find a way to use this word!
ReplyDeleteI like that A to Z navigation button.
ReplyDeleteMy brain must be running extra slow today. I still have no idea what this word means.
ReplyDeleteI like the second meaning. Could apply to the Russian Revolution which I am studying this month. You do have to practice saying these words smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this word today and for enlarging on its meaning outside church-related thoughts.
ReplyDeleteA good L word and thanks for the explanation of it.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Well, you've taught me a new word for today... thanks, Matthew.
ReplyDeleteCool word! Love your buttons.
ReplyDeletewell this is definitely a new one on me. I would have gotten it wrong even on a multiple choice question!!
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend.
So, being a Methodist and all I thought I knew all about laity, but that word is definitely new to me. Thanks for the new wordage!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. It's unfair though, how thorough you are being in presenting new words compared to my paltry attempts LOL. Anyway, this is an good choice.
ReplyDeletedidn't know it
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a different word. Hadn't heard it before at all. So it would not be good to jack up that first letter if wanting to refer to someone as a "Lacist".
ReplyDeleteHey Matt...there's not going to be a test when this is over, is there? I never heard of lacisim before!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteanother new word - and a cool one! Off to play 'surprise me' and see who I get to meet! :)
ReplyDeleteYou got me again. :)
ReplyDeleteI too like how your words are not everyday words and thus challenge us more. Very interesting posts and very interesting blog you have!
ReplyDeleteLove what you're doing with your pics and posts for AtoZ. Hope you're enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteLove your theme! Word origins is something that fascinates me, so this will be a great place to visit during the challenge!
ReplyDeleteHi Matthew .. this is one I didn't know .. I hope I can remember it .. I'll need to be back to re-read these words you're coming up with ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
Great post!!
ReplyDeleteOOh, navi buttons! I have to come back and borrow those ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post... I like new words!
This is a new one for me, and I LOVE it. And "lacist" inexplicably makes me giggle as well, but it is early and I haven't had my coffee yet!
ReplyDeleteCrap! I keep forgetting to install those buttons!! :)
ReplyDelete