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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.
“The vocalist abandoned all syntax, letting their inner neanderthalism roar through the speakers.”

“Some days, I just need to embrace neanderthalism and smash through the rules holding me back.”
by orsinian October 21, 2025
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The process by which an ofspring from a nice family becomes a jerk.
Joel's mom is so nice, but he's such a bigot. Must be a case of spontaneous neanderthalism.
by JavaJaneOhio August 12, 2010
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neanderthalistic

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English Adjective meaning primitave, brutish, uneducated, or simple
The way he grunted when he asked me for a date was neanderthalistic.

His idea of solving world peace by arm wrestling is neanderthalistic at best.
by weletthem May 18, 2016
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The act or state of being a dumbass.
Any one to question former president Nixon's foreign policy shall recieve my condemnation as a neanderthalic fool
by Alex Bo Balex January 20, 2005
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Neanderthalis Decibelus

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A type of loser.
Specifically a loser with a compunction to force EVERYONE to listen to their crappy taste in music, often using a lame stereo system.
If that Neanderthalis Decibelus doesn't turn his volume down I swear I'm gonna shove that boombox up his rectum.
by @pop_art July 28, 2009
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Neanderthalesque

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Someone who is incredibly stupid beyond description
american conservativism is the most backwards neanderthalesque ideology
by Jurchy July 20, 2021
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Being similar to or thinking like a Neanderthal.

Often used as a replacement insult for Dumb or Stupid.
Hey dude, you should install Tik-Tok.

Nah, that entire platform is Neanderthalic.
by S e a f o u r March 28, 2022
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