We have all heard the expressions ‘introvert’ (the quiet, shy type) and ‘extrovert’ (the ones that won’t shut up!).
We have known them for years, and we know people who fit those patterns!
But now there is this new label of ‘otrovert.’
The word seems to have been coined by American psychiatrist Rami Kaminski.
This arose out of a longstanding debate in psychology: whether two personality poles are enough to capture the richness and complexity of the human temperament.
Surely, we can’t all be stuck into just these two pigeon-holes of introvert or extrovert?
The introvert–extrovert model, rooted in Jung’s early theories, has shaped everything from pop psychology to corporate training.
Neat theories should always be suspect (however attractive they are).
Hence the need for this new category of ‘otrovert’—meaning someone who is sometimes introverted in their behaviour and sometimes extroverted, depending on the group and the situation they are in.
‘Otroverts’ just don’t belong in a pigeon-hole (because they’re not pigeons!).
They are just them.
They are individuals with their own behaviour patterns and their own coping strategies.
Hey! The more I read about ‘otroverts’ the more I like them.
Kaminski says, ‘They can be warm, socially skilled, and deeply connected to individuals, yet collective identity never feels intuitive.’
I’m starting think that we wordies might all be ‘otroverts’?
So far the word has not appeared in any major dictionary, but it is included by the Collins Dictionary in its list of ‘new word suggestions’ and it will get into the big book if it is used enough.
Of course, the hip online Urban Dictionary has ‘otrovert’ (they who jump on every passing bandwagon) and they offer the definition: ‘A person who isn’t introverted or extroverted. They switch depending on people and energy. They recharge alone, socialize selectively, and adapt their vibe to the environment naturally.’
Which is very hip. But it does sound like a lot of wordies I know!
For Perth readers, today I will talk words and language with Tod Johnston on 6PR (probably at around 12:20pm).
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* My latest book is called Pray Like This. To look at prayer I do what I do in these Ozword columns: I go through the most famous prayer in the world (The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father) and unpack it word by word—each chapter being a short word-study on a key word in that prayer. There is a total of 21 words studies in all. To find out more, here’s a link to the publisher’s website (where you can buy a copy if you wish): Pray Like This – matthiasmedia.com.au
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* My book "Defending the Gospel" is now in a second, fully revised, edition. You can find it here: Defending the Gospel – matthiasmedia.com.au
* If you're looking for my recent book "Flash Jim" you'll find it here -- Flash Jim, The astonis
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BY THE WAY...
If you'd like to see my A-Z list of Aussie slang, you'll find it here in the Australian Geographic website -- A-Z list of Aussie slang. Here’s the link: The A-Z of Aussie slang - Australian Geographic
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