A) synonym for Hipster
B) one who makes proclamations that to the lay-person may sound edgy, controversial, new, deep or thought-out, but to anyone with more detailed
knowledge, will be instantly dismissed as a load of posturing bullshit.
One of their favoured fallacies when challenged on an absurdity is the courtier's reply - 'you just don't understand/aren't clever enough/aren't in the know'.
They lack social graces and wisdom, and are quick to jump on factual errors to make themselves feel better, as they pride
intellectual prowess over good manners, kindness and humour which makes them tiresome company.
They do not believe in
intellectual democracy for the betterment of others, but
aristocracy to belittle others.
They will insist you read books, watch films and listen to music they've heard of but may not have read, seen or heard themselves, and enjoy dropping names of authors, directors, musicians and other artists that are avante-garde, cult or classical, even if they have no real exposure to their work, most likely having read about them in a paper, magazine or website aimed at the pretentious and po-faced. They are also vulnerable to being 'Sokal'd' in their desperation to look learned and superior.
Most tellingly, the pseudo-intellectual is prickly and insecure around those they might learn from, while a well-adjusted, moderately
intelligent person is always keen to learn from those with greater insight and reading.
Pseud'; 'but
of course, Ingmar Bergman's films are so camp'.
Sycophants;
hahahaha!
Somebody who has seen a Bergman film; 'Utter shite! Name me one and describe how it is 'camp', or consider yourself a pseudo-intellectual'.
Pseud'; i don't have to explain my
reasoning to you'.