Term Origin: Gaslight

Trigger Warning: emotional abuse is mentioned

Do you ever just hear a word and wonder where or how it came about? Well we certainly do, that is why we will be doing a new series on our website/blog explaining the origins of certain terms.

Today we will be looking at the term, gaslight.First what does it mean, a type of lamp where the mantle is heated via a jet of burning gas or (the actual description that we will exploring) to manipulate someone by making them doubt their own sanity.

How did we go from a lamp to a manipulative tactic.

Well the term originated from a 1938 play called Gas Light by Patrick Hamilton, which was eventually adapted into a film in 1944. The story is about a murderous husband that tries to hide his unfaithfulness from his wife by making her think she is going insane whilst he attempts to steal jewels her family has hidden away. His efforts include playing with their gas powered lamps.

The manipulative description of the term began around the 1950s-1960s.

More information on Gaslighting:

People who have gaslighting tendencies don’t always have ill intention and not always aware of the damage they may of caused. Most of the times gaslighters just want to avoid uncomfortable situations or avoid admitting to their faults. It easier shifting the blame onto someone else than actually owning up to your mistakes. Not saying that all gaslighters are unaware of their actions!

A good article explaining gaslighting and how to respond in good detail:

https://fairygodboss.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-gaslighting

I hope you found this article interesting and we give out our hearts to anyone who is or has experienced gaslighting. Let us know if you have watched the movie or play and let us know your thoughts.

~Stay Curious~