Have you known any “eccentrics?” What characterized their behavior?

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Fyrefox

Well-known Member
I think that many Americans regard the British to have a special place in their hearts for eccentric people, and perhaps yours are classier or more endearing than ours!

I think that eccentricity occurs along a continuum scale from the mild to the extreme. When I was in college, there was one elderly woman who routinely ate in the school cafeteria who was a full-blown eccentric. Of very short stature, she had willed her estate to the school in exchange for free meals for life. The students called her “Mumbles” because her speech was unintelligible, she didn’t care to interact with the students, and would reportedly kick at them with her feet when they approached her!

Have you known or encountered any people who might be considered eccentrics, and what characterized them? 🤔
 

I guess it can be hard at times to draw the line between mental illness and eccentricity. I have a neighbor considered a known eccentric who throws food waste (including meats) alongside her garage, considering that composting. She wore a face mask to enter her garage even in the pre-pandemic years. If she hears a dog bark even briefly, she’ll complain to the owners or authorities about it. I don’t know if such things could be considered “control” features…
 

Carol Channing was considered eccentric by many, in the best possible way. She was known for her larger-than-life personality, her witty sense of humor, and her unconventional approach to performing.

Her tall, lanky build and platinum blond hair made her stand out on stage, and her cutting wit and infectious energy endeared her to audiences around the world. She was also known for her unique approach to her roles, often bringing a fresh and unexpected take to classic characters like Lorelei Lee in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

Overall, Channing's eccentricity was a big part of what made her such a beloved and enduring figure in the world of entertainment. She was a true original who brought joy and laughter to so many people. :)
 
Fyrefox said:
I think that many Americans regard the British to have a special place in their hearts for eccentric people, and perhaps yours are classier or more endearing than ours!

I think that eccentricity occurs along a continuum scale from the mild to the extreme. When I was in college, there was one elderly woman who routinely ate in the school cafeteria who was a full-blown eccentric. Of very short stature, she had willed her estate to the school in exchange for free meals for life. The students called her “Mumbles” because her speech was unintelligible, she didn’t care to interact with the students, and would reportedly kick at them with her feet when they approached her!

Have you known or encountered any people who might be considered eccentrics, and what characterized them? 🤔
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That’s not an eccentric character. Thats an aggressive, assaulting personality, with arrest worthy behaviour.
 
Fyrefox said:
I guess it can be hard at times to draw the line between mental illness and eccentricity. I have a neighbor considered a known eccentric who throws food waste (including meats) alongside her garage, considering that composting. She wore a face mask to enter her garage even in the pre-pandemic years. If she hears a dog bark even briefly, she’ll complain to the owners or authorities about it. I don’t know if such things could be considered “control” features…
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I think the line between eccentricity and mental illness is drawn by how much money and influence the individual in question has. More and they're "eccentric", less and they're mentally ill. If it's royalty, they're just fine, and YOU have the problem. :unsure:
 

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