My ancient (and sometimes controversial) dark red dictionary defines eccentric as 'deviating from the centre, departing from the usual practice'. A recent programme by Victoria C.M. on eccentricity enforced this idea, with examples through recent times to illustrate the point. An eccentric is someone who goes against the norm, rails against the establishment, a goat amongst sheep.
When I was growing up (back when Noah was a lad), most people lived in rented accommodation; it was unusual for women to have a full time job; the only parts of a body to be pierced were ears (and that was considered a bit common) and tattoos only sported by sailors. Vegetarianism was ridiculed and allotments were for old men in baggy hats.
Now it seems everyone aspires to a mortgage and their own patch of land on which to grow their healthy, heritage variety, organic fruit and veg. Piercings can be had almost anywhere one might want and tattoos are so common that fake ones (like long gloves) can be used just for the week-end. No-one need feel excluded.
So what now defines an eccentric?
Could it be a stay-at-home parent, with unadorned skin who does not enjoy reality television? Someone who enjoys cooking but has no desire to enter 'Bake Off'
and travels happily on public transport with no regrets for the lack of an expensive car to maintain?
I was reading an article today about 60 plus's, the largest growing social group who have more money and more time to enjoy it, doing things they always wanted to do without fear of censure.
Perhaps these are the new eccentrics.
