make a fetish of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a fetish of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of obsessively focusing on or elevating something to an excessive level of importance or reverence. Example: "Some people tend to make a fetish of their morning routines, believing that every detail must be perfect for a successful day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But Europeans make a fetish of it.

The Economist

We make a fetish of faces.

The New York Times - Science

He didn't make a fetish of the fine-art print.

The New York Times - Arts

Make money, yes, but don't make a fetish of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some make a fetish of death; others struggle desperately to survive.

The New Yorker

The men in this film make a fetish of their blockage.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

They now made a fetish of secrecy.

The New Yorker

Collectivism, of course, makes a fetish of process.

The New York Times

Much of it makes a fetish of ink and parchment, the written word as relic.

The New Yorker

For a start, he is right to argue against making a fetish of invention.

The Economist

The book makes a fetish of literary allusion; it is brilliant and joyless.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a fetish of" when you want to convey that something is being given excessive or inappropriate importance. Be mindful of the negative connotation, as it implies the focus is unbalanced or unhealthy.

Common error

Avoid using "make a fetish of" in neutral or positive contexts. The phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the object of obsession is being elevated to an unhealthy or irrational level. Use more neutral terms like "prioritize" or "emphasize" when no negative judgment is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a fetish of" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of excessively focusing on something, often to the point of obsession. It suggests an unbalanced or unhealthy preoccupation, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a fetish of" is a verb phrase that describes excessively focusing on something, often implying an unbalanced or unhealthy obsession. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, carrying a negative connotation. While grammatically sound and frequently appearing in news and media sources, careful consideration of the context is crucial to avoid misusing its judgmental tone. When a more neutral expression is needed, alternatives such as "overemphasize" or "prioritize" might be more suitable. Understanding both its meaning and connotation will help in deploying this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsess over

Highlights the compulsive nature of the preoccupation.

be obsessed with

Emphasizes the compulsive and intrusive nature of the focus.

fixate on

Focuses on the act of obsessively concentrating on something.

place undue emphasis on

Highlights the inappropriateness of the level of importance given.

overemphasize

Stresses the act of giving too much importance to something.

exaggerate the importance of

Focuses on the act of inflating the significance of something.

idolize

Implies a strong admiration or worshipful attitude.

overvalue

Highlights the act of assigning an excessively high value to something.

be preoccupied with

Emphasizes the state of being constantly absorbed in thought about something.

worship

Implies extreme reverence and devotion, often to an inappropriate degree.

FAQs

How do I use "make a fetish of" in a sentence?

Use "make a fetish of" when you want to express that someone is obsessively focusing on something, often to an excessive or inappropriate degree. For example, "Some people "make a fetish of" cleanliness, becoming overly concerned with germs".

What can I say instead of "make a fetish of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "obsess over", "fixate on", or "overemphasize". Each alternative carries slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "make a fetish of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make a fetish of" can be considered somewhat informal or loaded due to its negative connotation. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "place undue emphasis on" or "overemphasize".

What is the difference between "make a fetish of" and "appreciate"?

"Appreciate" implies a positive regard or enjoyment, while "make a fetish of" suggests an obsessive and often irrational focus. For example, appreciating art is different from "making a fetish of" collecting a specific artist's work to the point of neglecting other aspects of life.