Love to play coy? If so, you’re already using a Greek literary device in your everyday life.

Accismus is a literary and rhetorical device in which someone feigns indifference or pretends to refuse something they actually want. It's a form of irony that often aims to increase the appeal of the person or object being discussed. This technique is commonly used in literature, theater, and everyday conversation.

Key Takeaways

  • The term accismus comes from the Greek word "akkismos," which translates to "coyness" or "affectation of indifference."
  • Basically, you’re playing hard to get. It’s when an individual acts uninterested in someone or something to increase their perceived value.
  • Accismus is a way to indirectly express admiration, desire, or interest in a casual way.
  • It’s a way to add contrast and style to dialogue.

What Is Accismus?

In literature, accismus is often employed by characters who wish to conceal their true feelings or intentions. This can create tension, humor, or intrigue in a story, as readers are aware of the character's actual desires while observing their contradictory behavior (It’s fairly obvious, so sometimes the other characters are, too).

The technique is particularly effective in romantic storylines, where characters may pretend to be uninterested in their crush to heighten the anticipation and eventual gratification of their union.

Tip:Many literary devices are also rhetorical devices. Literary refers to when the technique is written and rhetorical refers to when the technique is spoken.

The Origin and Evolution of Accismus

The concept of accismus has been around for centuries, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman literature. One of the earliest known examples of accismus can be found in the works of the ancient Greek poet Sappho, who lived in the 6th century BCE. In her poetry, Sappho often used accismus to express her feelings for other women, feigning indifference to mask her true desires.

In the medieval period, accismus was a common trope in courtly love literature, where knights would pretend to be uninterested in their beloved ladies to prove their devotion and worthiness. This use of accismus was popularized by the 12th-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes in his Arthurian romances.

Throughout history, accismus has remained a popular literary device, appearing in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (the part about the crown) and the works of Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde, among others. In modern times, accismus continues to be used in various forms of media, from books and movies to social media and everyday conversations.

Examples of Accismus in Practice

Classic Example: Pride and Prejudice

In Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, The protagonist Elizabeth Bennet initially rejects Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal, stating that he is the last man she would ever marry. However, her true feelings for him are later revealed, and her initial rejection is shown to be a form of accismus, masking her growing affection and admiration for Mr. Darcy.

Aesop’s Fable

In Aesop’s fable about the fox and the grapes, the way the fox dismisses the grapes is an example of accismus.

Friends

In the TV series Friends, the character Chandler Bing often employs accismus in his self-deprecating humor. He frequently downplays his own achievements and qualities, pretending to be less capable or desirable than he actually is. This use of accismus not only adds humor to his character but also makes him endearing to us.

Accismus can also be found in everyday conversations, particularly in the context of flirting or expressing interest in someone. A person might feign indifference or even mild dislike towards someone they are attracted to, in an attempt to increase their own appeal and make their eventual expression of interest more impactful. This playful use of accismus can add excitement and anticipation to romantic interactions, as well as protect the individual from potential rejection by maintaining a sense of emotional distance.

With roots in ancient Greek literature, accismus has evolved throughout history and remains a popular technique in modern storytelling and everyday communication. Keep an eye out for it and use it yourself to add more depth, humor, and irony to how you use language. ⬥

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Sources: Encyclopedia Britannica