Definition of decadent

The word "decadent" originated in the late 19th century, initially used to describe the artistic and literary movements that emerged during that time, such as the Decadence movement in France. The term "decadence" itself derives from the Latin word "decadere," which translates to "falling off" or "declining," indicating a deterioration or weakening of something. In the context of these artistic movements, "decadent" came to represent a rejection of conventional values and moral principles, often in favor of hedonism, aestheticism, and the pursuit of individual pleasure and experience. It was a reaction against the dominant Victorian ideals of the time, which emphasized duty, responsibility, and self-denial. The Decadence movement, for instance, focusing on inner experiences, sensuality, and spirituality, embraced elements of eroticism, pessimism, and disillusionment, exemplified by writers such as Gustave Flaubert, Arthur Rimbaud, and Paul Verlaine. In a broader sense, the word "decadent" has come to be associated with a state of moral or intellectual deterioration, indicating a decline into aesthetic excesses, corruption, or decay, particularly in a social or political context. However, in contemporary usage, it is sometimes used less pejoratively to describe indulgent or luxurious lifestyles, particularly in relation to cuisine or cuisine-related products.