RETAIL THERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Retail therapy is a popular phrase that refers to the practice of shopping or purchasing items as a means of alleviating stress, improving mood, or boosting one's emotional well-being. It is often used humorously or tongue-in-cheek to describe the act of indulging in shopping as a pick-me-up or a form of self-care.
The term "retail" in retail therapy signifies the act of buying goods or services from a retailer or a store, while "therapy" denotes the notion of the practice offering remedial or emotional relief. It implies the notion that shopping can have a therapeutic effect on individuals, temporarily lifting their spirits or providing a sense of comfort.
Engaging in retail therapy is said to stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, which can create a temporary sense of happiness or satisfaction. It is believed that the act of engaging in pleasurable activities, such as shopping, can activate reward centers in the brain, leading to a sense of gratification.
Critics argue that retail therapy is merely a temporary and superficial remedy for emotional distress, as the emotional benefits tend to be short-lived and can often result in financial strain or debt. However, proponents of retail therapy argue that it can serve as a form of self-expression, a means to boost self-esteem, or a form of escape from daily stressors.
In summary, retail therapy is a colloquial term that refers to the act of shopping as a way to reduce stress or improve one's emotional well-being, though its long-term efficacy or potential drawbacks are subjects of debate.
Common Misspellings for RETAIL THERAPY
- eetail therapy
- detail therapy
- fetail therapy
- tetail therapy
- 5etail therapy
- 4etail therapy
- rwtail therapy
- rstail therapy
- rdtail therapy
- rrtail therapy
- r4tail therapy
- r3tail therapy
- rerail therapy
- refail therapy
- regail therapy
- reyail therapy
- re6ail therapy
- re5ail therapy
- retzil therapy
- retsil therapy
Etymology of RETAIL THERAPY
The term "retail therapy" originated in the early 1980s and is a play on the words "retail" and "therapy". The word "retail" comes from the Old French word "retaillier", which means "to cut off, clip, or divide". It evolved from the Latin word "retalari", which means "to retaliate". Eventually, "retail" came to refer to the sale of goods in small quantities to the end consumer.
The word "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", which means "healing" or "treatment". It entered English through Latin and originally referred to medical treatment or care. Over time, it came to encompass a broader range of treatments beyond just medical interventions.
Therefore, the term "retail therapy" combines the idea of the healing or comforting effects of therapy with the act of shopping for personal enjoyment.
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