Anthropophagy, pronounced /ænˈθrɒpəfədʒi/, is a word that refers to the act of consuming human flesh. Its spelling is derived from the Greek words "anthropos" meaning human and "phagein" meaning to eat. The word's phonetic transcription demonstrates that its pronunciation begins with the schwa sound /ən/, followed by a stressed "th" sound /θr/, then ending in the unstressed vowel sound /ə/. The combination of "ph" and "a" in the spelling is pronounced as a single consonant sound /fə/.
Anthropophagy refers to the practice or act of eating human flesh or the consumption of human flesh by humans. Derived from the Greek words "anthropos" meaning "human" and "phagein" meaning "to eat," anthropophagy has been observed in various cultures and historical contexts.
Anthropophagy can be classified into two main forms: ritual and survival cannibalism. Ritual cannibalism is often associated with religious or symbolic practices and can be found in certain ancient civilizations. It may involve the consumption of specific body parts or the entire corpse as part of religious ceremonies, funerals, or as a belief in absorbing the qualities or powers of the deceased.
On the other hand, survival cannibalism occurs in extreme cases where individuals resort to eating human flesh as a means of survival when faced with dire circumstances such as being stranded without food or during times of famine. This form of cannibalism is primarily driven by necessity rather than cultural or religious beliefs.
While anthropophagy is generally considered taboo and morally repugnant across most societies, instances of cannibalism have occurred throughout history. Cannibalism is often depicted as an act of ultimate taboo and immorality, frequently appearing in folklore, literature, and media as a symbol of horror or depravity.
Anthropophagy has been studied by various disciplines including anthropology, sociology, and psychology in an effort to understand its cultural significance and psychological motivations. Additionally, laws and regulations have been established in many countries to criminalize anthropophagy due to its ethical, moral, and public health concerns.
The practice of eating human flesh.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Anthropophagy" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "anthropos" meaning "human" and "phagein" meaning "to eat". Therefore, the literal translation of anthropophagy is "eating humans". The term is often used to refer to the act of cannibalism, which is the consumption of human flesh by other humans.