Viking vs. Barbarian: What’s the Difference?
Barbarian
A barbarian is a human who is perceived to be either uncivilized or primitive. The designation is usually applied as a generalization based on a popular stereotype; barbarians can be members of any nation judged by some to be less civilized or orderly (such as a tribal society) but may also be part of a certain “primitive” cultural group (such as nomads) or social class (such as bandits) both within and outside one’s own nation. Alternatively, they may instead be admired and romanticised as noble savages. In idiomatic or figurative usage, a “barbarian” may also be an individual reference to a brutal, cruel, warlike, and insensitive person.The term originates from the Greek: βάρβαρος (barbaros pl. βάρβαροι barbaroi). In Ancient Greece, the Greeks used the term towards those who did not speak Greek and follow classical Greek customs. In Ancient Rome, the Romans used the term towards tribal non-Romans such as the Germanics, Celts, Gauls, Iberians, Thracians, Illyrians, Berbers, Parthians, and Sarmatians. In the early modern period and sometimes later, the Byzantine Greeks used it for the Turks in a clearly pejorative manner.
Barbarian (adjective)
Relating to people, countries or customs perceived as uncivilized or inferior.
Barbarian (noun)
A non-Greek or a non-Roman.
Barbarian (noun)
An uncivilized or uncultured person, originally compared to the hellenistic Greco-Roman civilisation; often associated with fighting or other such shows of strength.
Barbarian (noun)
Someone from a developing country or backward culture.
Barbarian (noun)
A warrior, clad in fur or leather, associated with sword and sorcery stories.
Barbarian (noun)
A person destitute of culture; a Philistine.
Barbarian (noun)
A cruel, savage, brutal person; one without pity or humanity.
Barbarian (noun)
A foreigner, especially with barbaric qualities as in the above definitions.
ncG1vNJzZmilkZ67pbXFn5yrnZ6Ysm%2B6xK1mr6GbnruoedWsZJuZopeus7XAp2Y%3D