Selfists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who excessively focuses on their own self-interest, often prioritizing personal gratification over the needs of others
2. An individual who exhibits narcissistic tendencies and seeks validation through social media and outward appearances
3. Someone who engages in self-centered behavior, frequently disregarding the impact of their actions on those around them

Etymology: "Selfists" is the plural of "selfist," which is formed from "self" and the suffix "-ist." The suffix, borrowed through French and ultimately from Greek "-istēs," denotes a person who practises or adheres to something, as in "artist" or "pianist." Attaching it to "self" produces a label for someone who makes their own self-interest a guiding principle, much as a "moralist" makes morality a guiding principle. The pattern is a deliberate one: "self" plus "-ist" yields a personal noun describing a stance or habit rather than a trade. The form follows the same logic as "egoist," which applies the suffix to "ego" and names someone who lives by self-regard.

Synonyms: egotists, narcissists, self-centered people, selfish people, egoists

Antonyms: altruists, selfless people, generous people, philanthropists, empathetic people