Pinkerton syndrome

Meaning

Proper Noun

• The tendency of some Asians to regard Caucasians as superior or more desirable, especially where marriage or relationships are concerned.
• Having esteem for older Scottish literature but not the modern Scottish tongue.

Origin

• In reference to the character Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton in the opera Madama Butterfly (first performed in 1904) by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924).
• Named after Scottish antiquarian, author and historian John Pinkerton (1758–1826), coined by J. Derrick McClure: see 1985 quotation.