Uncanny meaning: Uncanny describes that which

Uncanny describes that which unsettles us, such as disquieting observations, or mysterious situations and circumstances. Strip the word of its prefix, though, and you're left with canny, a word that can be used as a synonym for clever and prudent. UNCANNY meaning: 1. strange or mysterious, often in a way that is slightly frightening: 2. strange or mysterious…. Learn more. Uncanny means mysterious or impossible to explain, especially when causing uneasiness or astonishment. Find out the origin, usage, and translations of uncanny, and see synonyms like weird, eerie, and spooky. The concept of the Uncanny was later elaborated on and developed by Sigmund Freud in his 1919 essay "Das Unheimliche" or, "The Uncanny", which also draws on the work of Hoffmann (whom Freud considers the "unrivaled master of the uncanny in literature"). However, he criticizes Jentsch's belief that Olympia is the central uncanny element in the story ("The Sandman"): I cannot think – and I hope most readers of the story will agree with me – that the theme of the doll Olympia, who is to all ...