What Does the Term “Narcissist” Mean?

Last updated on September 3, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The term “narcissist” has become a popular way to describe someone who exhibits excessive self-love, a lack of empathy for others, and a constant need for admiration. But what does it really mean to be a narcissist, and where does this term come from? In this reference, we explore the meaning and origin of the word “narcissist,” provide real-world examples of narcissistic behavior, and discuss related terms to help you gain a clearer understanding of this complex personality trait.

Narcissist Meaning and Origin

  • A narcissist is a person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves, often characterized by a lack of empathy, a need for excessive attention, and a sense of entitlement.
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What Does Narcissist Mean?

A narcissist is an individual who exhibits excessive self-interest, self-admiration, and a strong sense of self-importance. They are often overly concerned with their physical appearance and may seem extremely self-centered. Narcissists tend to struggle with empathy and may demonstrate manipulative or controlling behaviors within interpersonal relationships.

Origin and Context of Narcissist

The term “narcissist” originates from Greek mythology, specifically the story of Narcissus. Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own reflection in the water, ultimately leading to his own demise. Coined from this tale, the term has evolved to describe a person with an inflated ego and an excessive focus on themselves.

In psychology, narcissism is recognized as a personality trait, but when it becomes severe and disruptive to a person’s daily life, it may be diagnosed as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD typically develops in teens or early adulthood and affects more males than females.

Related Terms to Narcissist

  • Narcissism: Too much interest in and admiration for one’s physical appearance and/or abilities.
  • Egoism: An exaggerated sense of one’s own importance, often accompanied by self-centered behaviors and actions.
  • Egocentrism: The inability to view situations or understand other people’s perspectives outside of one’s own viewpoint.
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a strong need for admiration.

Narcissist Examples

In Conversations

Narcissists often display the following behaviors in conversations:

  • Dominating the conversation and making it about themselves
  • Frequently interrupting others while they are speaking
  • Exaggerating their achievements and capabilities
  • Showing little or no empathy for other people’s feelings
  • Often disregarding other people’s opinions

In Texting

When texting, narcissists may demonstrate the following patterns:

  • Frequently sending lengthy messages that focus on themselves
  • Ignoring or delaying responses to messages that don’t involve them
  • Consistently demanding the attention and validation of the recipient
  • Displaying a sense of entitlement, like expecting immediate responses

In Social Posts

On social media platforms, narcissistic behavior can be displayed through:

  • Constantly posting photos and updates to showcase their physical appearance or achievements
  • Seeking validation in the form of likes, comments, and shares
  • Responding negatively or defensively to criticism or perceived slights
  • Expressing jealousy and undermining others in their social circle

Narcissist Terminology

Narcissist Synonyms

In understanding the term “narcissist,” it’s helpful to be familiar with the synonyms that can be used interchangeably. Some commonly used synonyms for a narcissist include:

  • Egotist
  • Self-centered person
  • Vain
  • Conceited

These terms generally describe individuals who have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, are overly concerned with their physical appearance, and often exploit others for personal gain.

Other Meanings of Narcissist

While the primary definition of a narcissist pertains to an individual with self-centered and self-important behaviors, it is also important to consider the context in which it is being used. There can be some subtle nuances in meaning, such as:

  1. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): This is a mental health condition characterized by grandiosity, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration. People with NPD may also demonstrate arrogance, jealousy, and manipulative behaviors.
  2. Pathological narcissism: This term is used to describe a more severe and dysfunctional form of narcissism. Those with pathological narcissism can exhibit extreme self-centeredness, addiction to fantasy, and a strong need to exploit others for personal gain.
  3. Cognitive dissonance: This is a state in which an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or values simultaneously. Narcissists may experience cognitive dissonance when confronted with evidence that challenges their beliefs or superiority, leading to increased instability and emotional volatility.
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