Philistine

A philistine is generally defined as a person who is indifferent to or hostile toward cultural and artistic values. The term originates from the biblical Philistines, who were portrayed as uncultured. In contemporary usage, it often refers to individuals who lack appreciation for the arts, literature, and intellectual pursuits.

Philistine meaning with examples

• During the debate on funding the arts, one council member argued passionately for the expenditure, while another took an almost philistine view, dismissing artistic pursuits as unnecessary luxuries that could not justify the cost to taxpayers.
• Critics often label reality TV enthusiasts as Philistines, claiming that such preferences reveal a broader societal decline in taste and a lack of appreciation for truly enriching forms of entertainment and art.
• At the gallery opening, she was disheartened to overhear a group of guests dismissing the modern paintings as meaningless splashes of color, their philistine attitudes highlighting a troubling disconnect with the art community's deeper messages.
• His disdain for highbrow literature and preference for sensational tabloid stories led his friends to label him a philistine, unaware of the rich, philosophical texts that could expand his understanding and appreciation of the world.