Proper nouns can be converted into proper adjectives, such as Shakespearean or Japanese, to provide a stronger association with the description. Suffixes like -esque or -istic can also be used to create unique adjectives, such as Dylanian or Nixonian.
Most people should be familiar with the concept of a proper name, referring to the specific name of a person, place, or thing. A proper noun is always capitalized: Shakespeare, Los Angeles, Honda, etc. Similarly, a proper noun can be converted into a proper adjective to describe another common noun. A proper adjective, such as Japanese or Canadian, would also be capitalized, as it was formed from a proper noun such as Japan or Canada.
One reason a writer may choose to use a proper adjective is a strong association between the proper noun and the description at hand. Since many of William Shakespeare’s plays end tragically, it would not be unusual to describe an actual tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. The adjective “Shakespeare” gives the reader a stronger sense of tragedy than a common adjective such as “epic” or “serious” could provide.
Other appropriate adjectives used in this way would include “Machiavellian”, “Orwellian”, “Pavlovian” or “Freudian”. A ruthless politician might be described as a Machiavellian genius, for example, while pushy government policy might be seen as Orwellian. Since the proper adjective is formed from a proper noun, such as Pavlov or Freud, it is also capitalized.
Another example of this type of adjective involves the names of countries or cultures. A person may own a Japanese doll, make German chocolate cake, or order Canadian bacon for breakfast. These would all be considered proper adjectives, as they come from the proper nouns of countries. A writer may also refer to Arab customs or Christian rituals, as those adjectives were formed from proper nouns.
Many times this type of adjective can be formed by adding certain suffixes to existing proper nouns. The use of the -esque suffix is commonly used to convert a proper noun into a proper adjective. A songwriter’s new composition can be described as Dylanian, for example, meaning that the song resembles the work of songwriter Bob Dylan. This tactic can also be used to create its own unique adjectives, such as describing a particularly difficult military situation as Vietnamese or a political crisis as Nixonian. Since the proper noun (Vietnam, Nixon) is closely associated with the object, the proper adjective is effective.
Other proper nouns can be converted into proper adjectives by applying various suffixes such as -like, -ian or -istic. A Conservative minister may take a Calvinist view on an issue, for example. A dictatorial leader may be described as Hitlerite, or a promising young political candidate may display Kennedy-like qualities.
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