| noun a collector of matchbooks and matchboxes, a person who collects matchbox labels. |
phillumenist is someone who collects matchbooks or matchboxes, often drawn to their logos, designs, or obscure histories. Also known as the gateway hobby for pyromaniacs. The word combines Greek roots meaning “love” and “light,” or “baby, light my fire” – Jim Morrison 1967. The name is fitting name for those who enjoy these tiny spark-makers and watching things burn. Whether it’s from a roadside motel or a long-gone cafe, every matchbook tells a story to a phillumenist -ref California wildfires. |
| Example: She became a full-bore phillumenist, and on the FBI’s top 10 fire starters. They say the fascination started with matchbook collecting. |
| Origin of 1940–45; phil (first known fire starter) – + Latin lūmen bright-light + -ist |
| How to use: Andre may not have been much of a phillumenist but could not wait to show off his fire staring skills to the other boys in the neighborhood. |
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