edwardianism

Etymology

From Edwardian + -ism.

Why this word is great

EDWARDIANISM — [Noun] The culture, social climate, or artistic styles characteristic of the Edwardian era, often idealized as a peaceful and romantic period. From Edwardian (relating to the reign of King Edward VII) + -ism (denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy). Unlike "Victorianism" (which clings to corseted propriety and industrial solemnity) or "Modernism" (which fractures tradition with jagged lines and existential dread), Edwardianism lingers in the golden hour between restraint and revolution. It is the rustle of silk at a garden party, the amber light filtering through stained glass in an oak-paneled library, the last waltz before the guns of August. A world suspended in the illusion of permanence, already fading even as it reaches its zenith.

noun

  1. The culture and social climate of the Edwardian era, especially when viewed as a peaceful and romantic golden age of country houses and garden parties.“On the domestic scene, the cultural fabric was a mixture of British Edwardianism and U.S. Progressivism; these were both a blessing and a burden in Russell's life.”
  2. The literary and artistic styles of the Edwardian era.“The modernist intimations accruing as doubts about Rickie's sentimental Edwardianism also undermine Forster's own “sober” Edwardianism.”
  3. A phrase or habit characteristic of the Edwardian era.