英语词汇cynic的起源、历史背景-英语词源词典

cynic. Disciples of the Greek philosopher Antisthenes (born ca. 440 b.c.), especially his later followers such as Diogenes, were nicknamed kunikos (cynikos), “doglike” or “snarlers,” for their insolent, currish manners. Antisthenes and his pupils be- lieved that independent virtue formed the sole basis for happi- ness, scorning freedom, honor, art, learning, health, riches—life itself. Insolently self-righteous, this small but influential band of ascetics derided all social customs, even sleeping in kennel- like quarters. From their churlishness and rude manners we probably have our word cynic, meaning “a surly, sarcastic per- son who believes that only selfishness motivates human behav- ior.” It is possible, however, that this nickname is only a coinci- dence and that cynic derives from Cynosarges (“white dog”), the Greek gymnasium outside Athens where Antisthenes taught; or perhaps each word contributed to the other. (The gymnasium was supposedly named for a white dog that carried off part of a victim being offered to the gods.)

词汇	cynic
词源	cynic. Disciples of the Greek philosopher Antisthenes (born ca. 440 b.c.), especially his later followers such as Diogenes, were nicknamed kunikos (cynikos), “doglike” or “snarlers,” for their insolent, currish manners. Antisthenes and his pupils be- lieved that independent virtue formed the sole basis for happi- ness, scorning freedom, honor, art, learning, health, riches—life itself. Insolently self-righteous, this small but influential band of ascetics derided all social customs, even sleeping in kennel- like quarters. From their churlishness and rude manners we probably have our word cynic, meaning “a surly, sarcastic per- son who believes that only selfishness motivates human behav- ior.” It is possible, however, that this nickname is only a coinci- dence and that cynic derives from Cynosarges (“white dog”), the Greek gymnasium outside Athens where Antisthenes taught; or perhaps each word contributed to the other. (The gymnasium was supposedly named for a white dog that carried off part of a victim being offered to the gods.)
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