Hibernophile

A Hibernophile is a person who is fond of Irish culture, Irish language and Ireland in general. Its antonym is Hibernophobe. The word originates from "Hibernia", the word used by the ancient Romans to refer to Ireland.

The term is often used in particular for people all over the world (in America especially in areas where a large number of Irish diaspora settled) who ostensibly base their business, political, or social practices on like of or admiration for Irish models. In some cases, Hibernophilia represents an individual's preference of Irish culture to their own, or the belief that Irish culture is superior, or appreciation of Irish history.[1]

Hibernophiles often enjoy attending St. Patrick's Day parades that occur all over the world.[1] They also tend to favour stereotypical parts of Irish culture: shamrocks, blarney stone, Leprechauns and shillelaghs.[2]

In some cases a Hibernophile may also be a Plastic Paddy, a person who appropriates stereotypical aspects of Irish culture without understanding it. The term is often used as a pejorative in Ireland.[3]

See also

References

Notes
  1. 1 2 Negra (2006). p. 20. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. ↑ Negra (2006). pp. 84–86. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ Cullen (2008). p. 37. Missing or empty |title= (help)
Bibliography
  • Cullen, Ruth (2008). The Little Green Book of Blarney: The Importance of Being Irish. White Plains, New York: Peter Pauper Press. ISBN 9781593598006. 
  • Negra, Diane (2006). The Irish in Us: Irishness, Performativity, And Popular Culture. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Press. ISBN 9780822337409. 
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