obscurantism 

The religion of hipsters.

"Did Jeff go to church on Sunday?"
"No, he practices Obscurantism now, and goes to church on Fridays now."

obscurantism by Franklin_GoBerry November 3, 2011

obscurantism 

The idea that if you're discussing a viewpoint or theory that is highly contentious or controversial, if you make it seem like it is much too complex for the average person to understand, and only comprehensible to a select few, enlightened individuals in a secret smart-person club (such as yourself, of course), by using a lot of jargon and esoteric references that only other people in your very exclusive circle will get, then it will fool the general public into thinking that it must obviously be correct because it's "complicated", and discourage anyone from questioning it (and also, jerk yourself off for being so smart).

Note: This does NOT apply to fields that actually are just extremely difficult to understand and over most people's heads (rocket science, quantum physics, nuclear engineering, etc.). This is when you take something that really isn't all that complicated, and act like it is, to give it an air of legitimacy.

When radical communists discuss Marxist theory online, and go on about stuff like "praxis" and the finer points of Bolshevism vs. Trotskyism and other shit that nobody who isn't glued to a computer 24/7 has even heard of or gives a flying fuck about, they are engaging in obscurantism.

obscurantism by q359 July 24, 2023

Beijing Obscurantism

The Beijing Obscurantism is a peculiar phenomenon typically experienced by American expats who've lived in China for an extended period of time. Upon their return to the United States, they begin seeing their homeland through the lens of a cultural Da Vinci - observing the ordinary as extraordinary, finding profound meaning in fast food, and perceiving a Walmart aisle as an avant-garde art installation. This overwhelming sense of renaissance often results in a sudden urge to write a series of philosophical treatises about the profundity of reality TV shows and the existential significance of memes.

John's so into 'Double Rainbow Guy' after years in China. Classic case of Beijing Obscurantism!

Beijing Obscurantism by TatohSum May 16, 2023