Neoteny n. An indefinite prolongation of the period of immaturity, with the retention of infantile or juvenile qualities into adulthood. Classic condition of the sports commentator, the lexicographer, and of course the schoolteacher.
Each Tuesday, we’ll offer up a Superior Word for the edification of our Superior Readers, via the volumes of the inimitable Peter Bowler. You can purchase all or any of the four Superior Person’s Books of Words from the Godine website. Metoposcopy appears in the second.
I would add so I would that neoteny is the condition of all humans. Like some newts and salamanders, we develop only so far, not becoming hairy and heavy of brow like our ape cousins. For various reasons it seems to suit us to go through adulthood in a physical condition close to adolescence.
ReplyDeleteI believe its much more complicated than that, but I like the idea.