Svengali: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
===Etymology=== | ===Etymology=== | ||
Named after the character [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali | Named after the character [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali Svengali]] in ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilby_(novel) Trilby]]'' (1894) by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_du_Maurier George du Maurier]], a hypnotist who exerts manipulative control over others. | ||
===Pronunciation=== | ===Pronunciation=== | ||
| Line 41: | Line 38: | ||
===Further reading=== | ===Further reading=== | ||
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali | [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svengali Svengali — Wikipedia]] | ||
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilby_(novel) Trilby (novel) — Wikipedia]] | |||
[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilby_(novel) | |||
===Categories=== | ===Categories=== | ||
[[Category:English nouns]] | [[Category:English nouns]] | ||
[[Category:Eponyms]] | [[Category:Eponyms]] | ||
Revision as of 03:52, 8 April 2026
English
Etymology
Named after the character [Svengali] in [Trilby] (1894) by [George du Maurier], a hypnotist who exerts manipulative control over others.
Pronunciation
/svɛnˈɡɑːli/ /svɛŋˈɡɑːli/ Katakana: スベンガリー
Noun
Svengali (plural Svengalis)
One who manipulates or controls another as by some mesmeric or sinister influence.
- The young performer’s career was shaped by a Svengali who dictated every move behind the scenes.
(by extension) A coach, mentor, or industry mogul who exerts strong, often controlling influence over another’s success or public image.
- He became a Svengali figure in the startup world, guiding founders while quietly steering their decisions.
Usage notes
Typically carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation, domination, or undue influence. Occasionally used more neutrally to describe a powerful or highly involved mentor.
See also
manipulator puppet master éminence grise power broker kingmaker string-puller gaslighter
Further reading
[Svengali — Wikipedia] [Trilby (novel) — Wikipedia]