individual selfishness
[ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl ˈsɛlfɪʃnəs]
noun
egoísmo individual
1. the quality or state of being excessively concerned with one's own personal welfare or advantage at the expense of others
His individual selfishness prevented him from contributing to the community project.
Seu egoísmo individual impediu que ele contribuísse para o projeto comunitário.
2. self-centered behavior motivated primarily by personal interest rather than collective good
The individual selfishness displayed during the crisis showed a lack of social responsibility.
O egoísmo individual demonstrado durante a crise revelou uma falta de responsabilidade social.
In Brazilian culture, which values community and social bonds (convivência), individual selfishness is often viewed negatively as a breach of social harmony. In American culture, there's more ambivalence—individual ambition is celebrated, but when it crosses into 'individual selfishness,' it's criticized as greed or lack of civic responsibility. The term is frequently used in social commentary and political discourse in both countries.
NYC Slang
being all about yourself; looking out for number one; self-centered trip
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