- Originally a mistaken adjectival form of the word “telepath,” it became a term for someone who is particularly pathetic, so much so that he/she exudes that trait from afar. Although telepathic is a component of the word, the psychic meaning of the word does not seem to have been retained; rather, the “tele” portion appears to have reverted to its original meaning of distance. However, in its second definition, the meaning of telepathic is retained.
Telepathetic
adjective; blending
1. Pathetic from a distance. 2. Being an extremely unskilled telepath.
Etymology : A blend of “telepathic” and “pathetic.”
Source : Conversation with a friend, October 27, 2011. “Ugh. That guy is so pathetic, I can tell it from here. He’s telepathetic!” “Wow, you can’t read minds at all. You’re telepathetic.”
Last modified: 5 December 2011