The avoidance of using the
Joule as a unit of energy. Sometimes used equivocally, especially in the United States, in describing a strong preference for the use of the calorie. Specifically, Joule Misanthropy refers to those who
castigate or otherwise judge humans who do express energy as
joules. Joule Misanthropists are known as being particularly
intransigent in their anti-joule stance.
This inclination and its relatively widespread popularity are thought to have been originated by those who opposed the popularity of James Prescott Joule. This movement probably began after Joule famously
spurned William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin); the two had planned an experiment together, which Joule then neglected in favor of marriage and a honeymoon. Although essentially left standing at the flask, Lord Kelvin understood and offered his congratulations to the
happy couple. However, Kelvin supporters were enraged and began an anti-Joule campaign. This caught hold particularly in the Americas, probably due the residual
anti-English sentiment of the time.
Formally, Joule Misanthropy is defined as the the use of a unit of energy other than the
joule in a context in which the use of said unit would generally be considered illogical or not practical. For example, expressing the energy required by a human to lift a small object in electronvolts would constitute Joule Misanthropy.
"Hey, I heard
Patty was accepted to that prestigious US institution!"
"Yes, but he has decided not to attend due to the
widespread Joule Misanthropy there."
"
That's a shame. I can't believe people can still be so small minded in the 21st century."
