Neanderthalism

Pronunciation: /ˈni .æn.dər.ˌθæl.ɪ.zəm/ (NEE-an-der-THAL-izm) Definition: 1. The state or practice of tapping into raw, instinct-driven energy; expressing oneself in a primal, unrefined, untamed way. 2. Creativity, emotion, or behavior stripped of social rules, logic, or polish; letting pure bodily expression dominate thought or action. 3. A deliberate embrace of ancient, almost pre-human intensity in art, movement, sound, or life—an uncaged channeling of primal forces. Etymology: Derived from Neanderthal, the extinct human species known for their raw physicality and survival instincts, with the suffix -ism indicating a practice or philosophy. The word captures the idea of consciously accessing primal, unrefined human instincts as a method of expression or creation. Why it’s important: Modern life often dulls instinct and suppresses raw energy in favor of civility and polish. Neanderthalism fills the gap between mundane behavior and unfiltered, primal authenticity—it’s the tool for creators, performers, and thinkers who want to harness pure, bodily, instinctive power.