Flapper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flapper
[ˈflæpər ]
Definition
historical fashion
A flapper was a young woman in the 1920s who was known for her energetic freedom, embracing a lifestyle viewed by many at the time as outrageous. Flappers were characterized by their bobbed hair, short skirts, and a penchant for jazz music and dancing. They were often seen as a symbol of the social and sexual liberation of women during the post-World War I era.
Synonyms
liberated woman, modern girl, new woman.
Examples of usage
- The flapper style revolutionized women's fashion.
- She danced like a flapper at the Gatsby-themed party.
- Flappers challenged traditional gender roles.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- The term became popular in the 1920s, during a time when women fought for more freedoms.
- Flappers often wore short dresses, bobbed hairstyles, and danced the Charleston, which was a popular dance of the era.
- They challenged traditional norms by smoking, drinking, and going out without chaperones.
Fashion
- Flappers wore loose-fitting dresses with dropped waistlines that allowed for freedom of movement.
- Accessorizing was key: they often donned cloche hats, long strands of pearls, and stylish headbands decorated with feathers or jewels.
- This era marked a significant shift in women's fashion, moving away from corsets and formal attire.
Cultural Impact
- Flappers were portrayed in literature, film, and music as symbols of modern womanhood and rebellion against societal expectations.
- Their influence extended to the arts, leading to a rise in jazz music and dance clubs that celebrated the flapper lifestyle.
- The image of the flapper has become an enduring icon of the Roaring Twenties and the jazz age.
Social Changes
- The flapper movement paralleled women's suffrage in the U.S., as they celebrated newfound rights, including the right to vote.
- This generation of women embraced economic independence, with many entering the workforce and supporting themselves.
- Flappers often congregated in speakeasies during Prohibition, creating a culture of 'living in the moment' and challenging authority.
Media Representation
- Movies and books from the period portrayed flappers as glamorous yet carefree, often focusing on their social lives and pursuits.
- Many famous flapper figures, like Zelda Fitzgerald, influenced the cultural narrative of the 1920s through their writings and social activities.
- Today, flappers inspire various media, showcasing their spirit of rebellion and independence in contemporary narratives.
Origin of 'flapper'
The term 'flapper' emerged in the early 20th century, referenced primarily in the United States, during a period of significant social change following World War I. The origin of the term is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have derived from the slang used by youth in the early 1900s, where it designated a young girl or an immature woman. It gained more formal recognition in the 1920s, becoming associated with the fashion and lifestyle of the young women who defied societal norms. These women challenged the restrictive clothing and behaviors of previous generations, opting instead for shorter dresses, bobbed hairstyles, and a more liberated approach to life. The flapper era symbolized a broader cultural shift towards modernity and independence for women, as they sought greater equality and expressed their freedom through art, music, and lifestyle choices.