The most famous and one of the first cynics was Diogenes. This philosopher, who allegedly lived in a wine barrel, was revered by many Greeks. According to the most famous anecdote, Alexander the Great is said to have visited him and suggested that he make a wish. Diogenes had answered that it would be nice if he would get a little out of the sun. Now about this answer Alexander was not offended at all. He answered:
“If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes.” And Diogenes replied: “If I were not Diogenes, I would still wish to be Diogenes.”
Plutarch
So, while Diogenes was probably revered by The Rich And The Beautiful, his behavior offended the mob.
Revered by The “Rich And Beautiful” Despised by the mob
People soon called him a dog. In Greek, dog means “kyon”. Instead of being upset by this swear word, Diogenes adopted it and soon called himself a dog, since he would live like a dog without need. And since he would wag kindly at the people who would be kind to him, while he would yap at the bleating rabble and also bite them.
Subsequently, and to this day, the mob has little understanding of how one can prefer a simple life to excessive consumption and treat respectable citizens disrespectfully. Also that we do not always show the feelings that seem appropriate, but make fun of it, for example, the mob does not understand. And calls such behavior cynical.
In German we can distinguish between the two meanings. The cynical art of living is called there “Kynismus”, with a ” K “. In this way, Germans can better distinguish it from the creep, which in German is spelled “Zyniker”, with a “Z”. In English, the meaning is derived from the context.
