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Bluestocking: meaning, definitions and examples

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bluestocking

 

[ ˈbluːˌstɒkɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical context

The term 'bluestocking' originally referred to a group of intellectual women in the 18th century who gathered for literary discussions and meetings. They were often associated with the Blue Stockings Society, which celebrated women's education and cultural involvement. The term has since evolved to encompass any educated woman, often with connotations of being overly serious or bookish. Today, 'bluestocking' can imply a strong commitment to intellectual pursuits, sometimes at the expense of social norms.

Synonyms

educated woman, feminist, intellectual woman

Examples of usage

  • She was considered a bluestocking for her avid readership and intellectual debates.
  • In the 18th century, many bluestockings challenged traditional roles of women.
  • Her bluestocking demeanor often intimidated her male colleagues.

Translations

Translations of the word "bluestocking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mulher estudiosa

🇮🇳 विद्या की देवी

🇩🇪 Studierender

🇮🇩 wanita terpelajar

🇺🇦 освічена жінка

🇵🇱 wykształcona kobieta

🇯🇵 教養のある女性

🇫🇷 femme instruite

🇪🇸 mujer educada

🇹🇷 eğitimli kadın

🇰🇷 학문이 있는 여성

🇸🇦 امرأة مثقفة

🇨🇿 vzdělaná žena

🇸🇰 vzdelaná žena

🇨🇳 受过教育的女性

🇸🇮 izobražena ženska

🇮🇸 menntaður kona

🇰🇿 білімді әйел

🇬🇪 განათლებული ქალი

🇦🇿 təhsilli qadın

🇲🇽 mujer educada

Etymology

The term 'bluestocking' originated in the 18th century in England, during a time of significant social and cultural change. It initially referred to a specific group of women who formed a literary society, notably patronized by prominent figures like Elizabeth Montagu and other intellectuals. The 'blue stockings' wore blue worsted stockings to distinguish themselves from the more formal black stockings worn by the upper-class men, who were often seen as elitist. This movement was crucial during a time when women's education was limited and often discouraged. As these women sought a space to discuss literature, philosophy, and culture, they challenged the conventional expectations of femininity. Over time, the word evolved to describe any educated or scholarly woman, often portrayed with a hint of derision in popular culture, encapsulating the tension between intellect and traditional female roles.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,012, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.