exotic

Exotic is an adjective used to describe things that originate from a distant country or culture, or that are strikingly unusual or different from what is customary in a particular region. The term derives from Latin exoticus, from Greek exōtikos, meaning foreign or outside.

In everyday language, exotic items evoke novelty and mystery. It is commonly applied to foods, plants, animals, or fashions considered foreign or unusual. In tourism and marketing, exotic is often used to describe destinations, experiences, or products meant to seem glamorous or otherworldly.

In biology and ecology, exotic species are non-native organisms introduced to a region, either intentionally or accidentally. They may become invasive, displacing native species or altering ecosystems. The term exotic is also used for pets that originate from outside the local fauna, with associated welfare and conservation concerns.

In finance and culture, exotic can describe specialized instruments or artworks with unusual features. In critical theory, exoticism refers to the portrayal or stereotyping of distant cultures as strange or alluring. Contemporary usage favors careful, precise language to avoid implying value judgments or stereotypes.