Skip to main content

Joule Misanthropy

The avoidance of using the Joule as a unit of energy. Sometimes used equivocally, especially in the United States, in describing a strong preference for the use of the calorie. Specifically, Joule Misanthropy refers to those who castigate or otherwise judge humans who do express energy as joules. Joule Misanthropists are known as being particularly intransigent in their anti-joule stance.

This inclination and its relatively widespread popularity are thought to have been originated by those who opposed the popularity of James Prescott Joule. This movement probably began after Joule famously spurned William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin); the two had planned an experiment together, which Joule then neglected in favor of marriage and a honeymoon. Although essentially left standing at the flask, Lord Kelvin understood and offered his congratulations to the happy couple. However, Kelvin supporters were enraged and began an anti-Joule campaign. This caught hold particularly in the Americas, probably due the residual anti-English sentiment of the time.

Formally, Joule Misanthropy is defined as the the use of a unit of energy other than the joule in a context in which the use of said unit would generally be considered illogical or not practical. For example, expressing the energy required by a human to lift a small object in electronvolts would constitute Joule Misanthropy.
"Hey, I heard Patty was accepted to that prestigious US institution!"

"Yes, but he has decided not to attend due to the widespread Joule Misanthropy there."

"That's a shame. I can't believe people can still be so small minded in the 21st century."
Joule Misanthropy by Big Diggity February 19, 2015
Related Words
The best person to ever exist on this planet. Jökull is a legend and the best friend in the world. He never fails to make me laugh and is the greatest though he doesn't believe me when I tell him. He is a soft boi and it's very adorable. He means a lot to me and he can know deep down that I'll always love him a lot.
Hey who were you with last night?

I was with Jökull
Oh damn you’re lucky to be his friend!
Jökull by Unknownshorty November 8, 2019

frau joules 

God, Supreme Being of religion Joulism.
Can be found wondering around Planet Earth in one of her reincarnated forms, or in the heaven, known as Oopsilon
Are you going to pray to Frau Joules today?
frau joules by fraujoules April 1, 2021
word:meaning joke, and/or joking. Commonly used as an excuse.
"OMFG! Chill. Jokles."
Jokles by Lewk. October 1, 2005

Jovule unit 

A Jovule unit is the standard unit of measure for measuring units.
Person 1: How many jovule units is that? Person 2: I don't know, ask ivan.
Jovule unit by Spewangeman July 21, 2021

jokeleys 

fake oakley sunglasses bought at your local indian or arab gas station
I paid 5 bucks for these jokeleys from Habib.
jokeleys by chris January 23, 2005