nephalism means the practice of abstaining completely from the drinking of alcohol; teetotalism. It carries an Arena rating of 1666, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, nephalism ranks #1,309 of 13,276 for Most Beautiful Words, #1,982 of 13,276 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words, #2,379 of 13,276 for Most Exacting Words, #3,058 of 13,276 for Most Ponderous Words.
Why “nephalism” is a great word
The practice of total and lifelong abstinence from all alcoholic beverages. From Ancient Greek νηφάλιος (nēphálios, “sober”), from νήφω (nḗphō, “to be sober”). Earliest documented use: 1860. Unlike “temperance,” which often implies a measured restraint, or “sobriety,” which can denote a temporary state free from intoxication, nephalism is a definitive, unwavering principle. It is the untouched glass at the wedding toast, the empty chair at the tavern table, the unbroken seal on a dusty decanter—a chosen austerity in a world perpetually offering to anesthetize.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek νηφάλιος (nēphálios, “sober”), from νήφω (nḗphō, “to be sober”).
noun
- The practice of abstaining completely from the drinking of alcohol; teetotalism“Our Nephalism we seek to honour as a stepping-stone to the gospel[…”
Words closest in meaning
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