The word "attitudinising" has a complex spelling that isn't immediately intuitive. It is pronounced /ˌætɪtjuːdɪnaɪzɪŋ/, with stress on the third syllable. The word is formed from the noun "attitude" and the suffix "-in-" to create a verb meaning to adopt a certain posture or attitude for effect. The "-ise" ending is a common British spelling of the verb-forming suffix "-ize", and the final "-ing" indicates present participle tense. Despite its tricky spelling, "attitudinising" remains a useful term in discussions of performance, affectation, and posturing.
Attitudinising, also spelled “attitudinizing,” is a noun that refers to the act or practice of assuming an affected, pretentious, or artificially contrived attitude or pose. It involves deliberately adopting specific gestures, postures, facial expressions, or mannerisms to project a certain image or impression to others. Attitudinising is often associated with acting, performance, or theatricality, where individuals consciously present themselves in a particular way to portray a character or convey a specific emotion.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who tends to arrogantly or insincerely adopt a particular attitude or stance for personal gain or to manipulate others. It implies a lack of authenticity or genuineness, suggesting that the individual is consciously putting on an act or attempting to deceive others through their demeanor.
In social contexts, attitudinising can connote an exaggerated display of one's beliefs, opinions, or ideologies to draw attention or project an image of superiority or importance. This artificial behavior may be regarded as insincere, self-serving, or phony, as the person is not genuinely expressing their true thoughts or emotions, but rather performing for an audience or seeking to impress others.
Overall, attitudinising refers to the conscious adoption of affected poses, attitudes, or expressions to manipulate perceptions, convey meaning, or enhance one's image, often suggesting a lack of authenticity or sincerity in the individual's actions.
The word "attitudinising" is derived from the noun "attitude", which originated from the Italian "attitudine". The Italian word "attitudine" referred to the posture or position of a figure in painting or sculpture. It was derived from the Latin word "aptitudo", meaning "fitness" or "ability". The concept of attitude gradually expanded to include a person's physical or mental posture or bearing, and eventually extended to describe an individual's stance, disposition, or opinion. The verb form "attitudinise" or "attitudinising" emerged in the 18th century, describing the act of striking various affected or exaggerated attitudes or poses, often for theatrical or dramatic effect.