The phraseology "gerostratova glory": interpretation and etymology

On what only some people are ready to go to become famous, to become famous. In our age of modern technology, it became easier to get wide popularity thanks to the Internet. However, to get fame, some resort to bad deeds, unworthy of shocking. About such people say that they have gerostratova glory. Why this expression is applicable in such cases, we learn by examining the interpretation and etymology of this sustainable trade.

"Gerostratova glory": the meaning of phraseology

To explain this phrase, we turn to the large dictionary of stable expressions of Rose T. The author conveys the meaning of phraseology in only two words: shameful glory. Hence, the expression under consideration carries a negative connotation. It characterizes the notoriety obtained in a non-noble way.

Where did this expression of "gerostratova glory" come from, the meaning of which we explained, we will find out later. The etymology of phraseology will help us expand its interpretation.

The history of the origin of the expression "gerostratova glory"

In the city of Ephesus, which is on the west coast of Asia Minor, once lived an ambitious man. His name was Herostratus. All his life he dreamed that his name be imprinted in history. And one day an idea came to him, how to become famous.

In his city stood a beautiful large temple, which was dedicated to the goddess of hunting Artemis of Ephesus (later he was counted among the seven wonders of the world). In 356 BC, Herostratus set fire to this temple, which was a landmark of his state and a place of rituals. He decided that historians would write about his deed and thus immortalize his memory.

Herostratus paid for his misconduct with life: the court sentenced him to death. Moreover, his name was strictly forbidden to pronounce and especially to be mentioned in literary and historical works. But after some time, the ancient Greek historian Theocompe, who lived in the 4th century BC, still wrote about him, and the name of the arsonist of the temple came to this day. After that, other researchers told in their writings about the temple of Artemis and its destroyer.

Now those who try to get fame in any way, the worse, unworthy deeds, they say that they have a heroic glory.

Having learned the etymology of expression, we can expand the epithets for the interpretation of phraseology. Gerostratova can be called not just a shameful glory, but above all criminal.

Examples of using an expression

Fregeologisms are often used in their work by various journalists, writers, linguists, etc. For example, after a sensational scandal with members of the punk band Pussy Riot in many publications about them there was an application of the expression "gerostratova glory". This phraseological characteristically characterizes the criminal way of getting the popularity of the mentioned group.

But not only in our time is used the mention of Herostratus. His name was also used by Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin in the epigram "At Sturdza". In it, he noted that the person to whom his lines were intended, is the laurels of Herostratus. This epigram was directed against the Russian diplomat Sturdza Alexander Skarlatovich, who advocated that the educational institutions were under the supervision of the police, as he was a true champion of ideas and freedom of thought.

Conclusion

We considered the stable expression "gerostratova glory", but have not yet noted that it occurs in various variations: "the glory of Herostratus", "the laurels of Herostratus", "to gain the laurels of Herostratus". Whichever form of expression we choose, its meaning will remain the same. It will also characterize the glory received dishonest, shameful and even criminal way.