Bobbysoxer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bobbysoxer

[หˆbรค-bฤ“-หŒsรคks-ษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

slang term

A bobbysoxer is a slang term used in the 1940s to describe a teenage girl, particularly one who is a fan of popular music and often dresses in a style typical of the era, featuring bobby socks. The term is often associated with the culture surrounding big band and swing music, where young girls would idolize male singers and musicians.

Synonyms

fan girl, teenage girl, young admirer.

Examples of usage

  • The bobbysoxer squealed with excitement at the concert.
  • In the 40s, bobbysoxer girls would gather at dance halls.
  • He was quite the heartthrob among the bobbysoxers.
  • She wore her bobby socks proudly at the school dance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'bobbysoxer' became popular in the 1940s and referred to teenage girls who idolized big band musicians.
  • The fashion included bobby socks, which are short, ribbed socks often worn with loafers or saddle shoes.
  • Frank Sinatra frequently sang to bobbysoxers, as they were a key part of his fan base, helping to solidify his stardom.

Pop Culture

  • Bobbysoxers were often portrayed in films and music, reflecting the youth culture of the 1940s and their enthusiasm for swing music.
  • The 1942 movie 'Bobby Sox' introduced the term to a broader audience and showcased the lifestyle and interests of young girls at the time.
  • Their excitement for music and entertainment often led to packed concerts and dances, highlighting the post-war cultural shift.

Fashion

  • Bobby socks were usually white or pastel-colored, often paired with skirts or dresses, symbolizing innocence and youth.
  • The style was an early example of teenage fashion, influencing later youth movements and trends in the 1950s and beyond.
  • Accessories like cardigans and saddle shoes were popular among bobbysoxers, creating a new fashion statement for young girls.

Social Dynamics

  • The phenomenon of bobbysoxing illustrated the rise of the teenager as a distinct social group during the mid-20th century.
  • Bobbysoxers were often seen as part of the larger youth culture movement that emphasized individuality and expression.
  • As the bobbysoxer trend faded, it paved the way for later youth subcultures in the 1950s and 1960s, such as rock 'n' roll fans.

Music History

  • Music played a central role in the bobbysoxer identity, with artists like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey being particularly popular.
  • Many bobbysoxers participated in dances, thrived at sock hops, and often spent time listening to records and attending live performances.
  • The active engagement with music and dance connected bobbysoxers to the broader cultural trends of the swing era.

Origin of 'bobbysoxer'

The term 'bobbysoxer' emerged in American slang during the 1940s. It is derived from 'bobby socks', a style of short, cuffed socks that teenage girls commonly wore during that time, often paired with saddle shoes and skirts. The term became popular as teenagers began to have more influence in culture and their fashion started to reflect their independence and youthful exuberance. Bobbysoxers were often depicted in media, especially in films and music, where they were shown as overly enthusiastic fans of popular singers and bands. One notable cultural artifact is the film 'Bobbysoxer' starring Shirley Temple, which further cemented the term in popular culture. As the 1950s and 1960s rolled in, fashion trends changed, and the term began to fade, but its association with the vibrant youth culture of the 1940s remains significant in understanding the era's social dynamics.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,525, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.