macaroni philosopher

English

Etymology

Compare macaronic.

Noun

macaroni philosopher (plural macaroni philosophers)

1. (obsolete, derogatory, nonce word) One who mixes up and confuses different topics of study.
   • 1797, Thomas Erskine, “Mr. Erſkine's Deſcripton of Buxton”, in The Monthly Magazine‎^[1], volume 3, page 92:

     in this fanciful æra, macaroni philoſophers hold flirtation with ſcience, taken the lead of all the other elementſ, and thoſe whoſe nerves have found no relief in change of ſky, or variety, ſeek for a refuge here, in fixed air.