pariah

[ puh-rahy-uh ]

noun

1. an outcast.
2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided.
3. none Pariah. a member of a low caste in southern India and Myanmar (Burma).

pariah

/ ˈpærɪə; pəˈraɪə /

noun

1. a social outcast
2. (formerly) a member of a low caste in South India

pariah

1. An outcast; a member of a low caste or class .

Notes

The word originally stems from the caste system of India, which put pariahs in a very low place in society. In the United States, it refers to those of low social class or social status .

Other Words From

• pa·riah·dom noun
• pa·riah·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pariah¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Tamil paṟaiyar, plural of paṟaiyan literally, “drummer” (from a hereditary duty of the caste), derivative of paṟai “festival drum”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pariah¹

C17: from Tamil paraiyan drummer, from parai drum; so called because members of the caste were the drummers at festivals

Example Sentences

Though she shows promise in the field of sorcery from a young age, the color of Elphaba’s skin ensures that she stays a pariah barred from studying her powers.

From Salon

The crown prince has never forgiven or forgotten Biden saying that Saudi Arabia needed to be made a pariah for its attitude to human rights.

From BBC

This is the story of a guilt-ridden high school English teacher, who after her role in the suicide of her gay husband, has become a sexual pariah.

From Los Angeles Times

“Pedro exists between these two archetypes: the immigrant who made it and the pariah,” the actor says on the phone from Mexico City.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the allegations surfaced, Depardieu has become a virtual pariah.

From BBC

Related Words

• leper
• outsider
• persona non grata
• vagabond

More About Pariah

What does pariah mean?

A pariah is an outcast or someone who’s despised and avoided.

Pariah is often used to refer to a person who is widely shunned for some offense they have committed. It is often used in the phrase social pariah and in the context of politics.

Example: Although the defendant was found not guilty, he was still treated like a pariah in his hometown, with formerly close friends now refusing to talk to him.

Where does pariah come from?

The first records of pariah in English come from the early 1600s. It comes from paṟaiyan, a word that means “drummer” in Tamil (one of the many Indian languages spoken across the country). The Paraiyans were members of a group considered very low in the Indian caste system. They served as ceremonial drummers and later as laborers. Eventually, pariah started to be used in English more generally to refer to the members of any caste offensively labeled untouchables. By the 1800s, it had come to refer to any person shunned by society—an “outcast.”

Today, a pariah is someone who is treated as an outcast, especially after having been formerly in a position of favor—they have been cast out of their group. Usually this is because they have done something viewed as unacceptable, such as committing a crime, but this is not always the case. Some people are unfairly treated as pariahs because other people are uncomfortable around them for some reason, such as an illness. Still, pariahs are always the subject of avoidance. A social pariah is someone who is now avoided by everyone, especially their peers, perhaps because of a betrayal or an unpopular opinion or belief. In politics, a politician might be labeled as a pariah if their former allies distance themselves from them to avoid association with some scandal.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to pariah?

• pariahdom (noun)
• pariahism (noun)

What are some synonyms for pariah?

• outcast
• persona non grata

What are some words that share a root or word element with pariah? 

• pariah dog

What are some words that often get used in discussing pariah?

• shun
• avoid
• taboo
• untouchable
• leper
• exile

How is pariah used in real life?

Pariah is often used to refer to someone who was once popular and is now avoided, perhaps even despised.

I hope y’all are remembering to invite grief stricken friends to do friend things still. Even if they cancel last minute. There are a lot of “friends” I’ve heard little from since late November and many I haven’t seen. Don’t treat us like pariahs. We’re hurting. #grief

— Cindy Pika Chu (@iamcindychu) March 7, 2020

Me in my 20s: I might not come to your party, but I at least want to be invited.

Me in my 30s: Don't even ask me. Just let me be a social pariah in peace.

— Ramblin Mama (@ramblinma) September 4, 2018

This may make me a pariah, but I’m past caring, TBH.

While I might appreciate someone’s talents, I no longer consider myself a “fan” of anyone. There are more important and deserving people to spend my time and resources on, and that includes me.

Peace and love to all y’all. ❤️

— JeannieSays (@_JeannieSays_) October 5, 2019

 

 

Try using pariah!

True or False?

A pariah has always done something to deserve such a status.