theorycel

A person (usually one holding leftist beliefs) who has read every single book, pamphlet and essay even remotely related to their ideology. A theorycel usually becomes insufferable due to their uncontrollable urge to use big esoteric words and definitions, while being unable to engage with anything possible in the real world. Your average theorycel can be found on tankie discords and twitter, peddling their specific form of socialism that will #definitelyworkthistime.

Holy fuck, is Alex still talking about that book he read earlier? What an insufferable theorycel.

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theorycel

The term "theorycel" is a portmanteau of "theory" and "incel". "Theory" refers to intellectual theories, while "incel" is short for "involuntarily celibate," used to describe individuals who feel unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite their desire for them. A theorycel, therefore, is a person obsessed with theory to the point that it interferes with their ability to form romantic/sexual relationships. Examples of this might be spending excessive amounts of time reading and discussing theory to the exclusion of other activities, or using theoretical frameworks to justify their lack of success in the dating world.

Theory may used as a crutch to explain their difficulties with dating, instead of taking responsibility for their own behavior, and leading to feelings of isolation and alienation. This can reinforce the cycle of becoming more and more entrenched in theory, as the individual feels that they have no other means of connecting with others.

Ultimately, being a theorycel is not a healthy or fulfilling way of life. While theories can be intellectually stimulating, they are not a substitute for real human connection and personal growth. It's important for individuals who find themselves becoming overly fixated on theory to seek out other interests and activities that can help them develop a more well-rounded perspective and form meaningful relationships with others.

Either way, as our theorycel friend Raymond Williams once said, when looking at culture we should focus on the specific and the everyday as opposed to theorizing upon the phenomena broadly, as this can be a more material portal to the universal anyway.

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