Strange

Strange is a term that encompasses the unusual, unexpected, or unfamiliar. It can refer to phenomena, behaviors, or objects that deviate from the norm and provoke curiosity, fear, or intrigue. The concept of strange is subjective and varies widely across different cultures and contexts.

Etymology

The word "strange" originates from the Middle English strange, which derived from the Old French estrange, meaning "foreign, alien." This, in turn, came from the Latin extraneus, meaning "external" or "from outside."

Perception of Strangeness

The perception of what is considered strange can be influenced by numerous factors including cultural norms, personal experiences, and societal expectations. What may be perceived as strange in one culture might be commonplace in another. This subjectivity is crucial in fields such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology, where understanding the variance in human behavior and norms is essential.

In Popular Culture

Strange phenomena or characters often feature prominently in literature, film, and other forms of media. Works of science fiction and fantasy frequently explore the concept of the strange by introducing elements that are beyond the ordinary, such as aliens, supernatural events, or futuristic technologies.

Examples of Strange in Various Contexts

• In science, the discovery of the quantum mechanics was considered strange because it challenged the existing laws of physics with its counterintuitive principles.
• In everyday life, encountering a person with drastically different customs or attire might be perceived as strange.
• In the natural world, animals like the platypus were initially considered strange due to their unusual characteristics and behaviors.

Philosophical and Psychological Aspects

Philosophically, the strange is often associated with the concept of the Other, a term used in philosophy to denote that which is perceived as different or alien. Psychologically, encountering something strange can lead to a sense of unease or fear, a phenomenon explored in the study of the uncanny.

See Also

• Alien
• Unusual
• Curiosity
• Fear