Eccentric

DEFINITION

Literally, not having the same center, and figuratively, departing from the typical or established norm or pattern, heterodox. A person who deviates markedly from an established norm, especially one exhibiting odd or unconventional behavior ? off-center. It can also be used to describe something that doesn't follow a truly circular path, as in "an eccentric orbit." "Eccentric" contrasts with "concentric": having a common center; concentric circles are placed one within another.Quote: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82), U.S. essayist, poet, philosopher. "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist. "Art itself has become an extraordinary thing ? the activity of peculiar people ? people who become more and more peculiar as their activity becomes more and more extraordinary." Eric Gill (1882-1940), English artist and typographic designer. "Draw a crazy picture, Write a nutty poem, Sing a mumble-gumble song, Whistle through your comb. Do a loony-goony dance 'Cross the kitchen floor, Put something silly in the world That ain't been there before." Shel Silverstein (1930-1999), American poet. Also see academic, avant-garde, bias, bohemianism, centering, center of gravity, different, and transgressive.