Lowborn: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Lowborn' comes from Old English roots, where 'low' means not high in position or status, and 'born' refers to someone’s family background.
• The term has been used since at least the 15th century to describe people of humble origins.

History

• In many past societies, a person's family background determined their social class and opportunities, making 'lowborn' individuals often restricted to lower-status jobs.
• Throughout history, revolutions and reforms have emerged partly due to resentment against the inequality faced by lowborn individuals.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's plays, characters often indicate their lowborn status to highlight social struggles or aspirations for upward mobility.
• Many classic novels feature lowborn protagonists overcoming their humble origins to achieve greatness or make significant contributions to society.

Social Studies

• Modern discussions around social mobility often reference lowborn individuals, emphasizing the impact of background on life chances.
• Socio-economic factors continue to affect the opportunities available to lowborn individuals, illustrating systemic issues in society.

Pop Culture

• In TV shows and movies, lowborn characters frequently serve as relatable heroes or anti-heroes, showcasing their struggles against wealth and power.
• Lyrics in many songs reflect the experiences of people from lowborn backgrounds, expressing themes of resilience and determination.