Suntanned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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suntanned
[ˈsʌnˌtænd ]
Definition
skin color
Suntanned refers to skin that has been darkened or bronzed by exposure to the sun. This change in skin color occurs due to increased melanin production as a natural response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People often seek a suntan for aesthetic reasons, believing it gives a healthier appearance. However, excessive tanning can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Suntanning can be achieved naturally through sun exposure or artificially through tanning beds.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She returned from vacation with a suntanned glow.
- His suntanned skin made him look more fit and active.
- They spent all summer at the beach and now have suntanned arms.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- Tanning has been a desired aesthetic in many cultures, with some societies associating it with health and leisure.
- In the 1920s, suntanning became fashionable after influential figures like Coco Chanel popularized sun-kissed skin.
- Certain cultures, such as in Asian countries, often prefer lighter skin, viewing it as a beauty standard, which contrasts with Western ideals.
Health and Science
- Suntanning is caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, as a defense against UV radiation.
- Moderate sun exposure can provide Vitamin D, essential for bone health, but too much can lead to skin damage and cancer.
- Studies show that people with darker skin actually require more sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as lighter-skinned individuals.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that people perceive tan skin as more attractive, associating it with youth and vitality.
- Exposure to sunlight can boost serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and contributing to the allure of a tanned appearance.
- The desire to be suntanned varies greatly based on individual and societal influences, showing a deep connection between culture and self-image.
Fashion and Beauty
- The beauty industry has tapped into the suntanned trend, creating various self-tanning products to help achieve the desired look without sun exposure.
- Bronzers and tanning lotions emerged as popular alternatives in the late 20th century, helping people achieve a sun-kissed look year-round.
- Suntanning suits have also been designed to help people tan more evenly while enjoying the sun, blending fashion with suncare.
Origin of 'suntanned'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from combining 'sun', relating to sunlight, and 'tan', an old word meaning to darken skin.
- Originally, the word was used to describe the tanning of leather, showing how the same process applies to skin.
- The concept has been around since at least the 1800s, when people began to take more notice of skin color changes from the sun.
The term 'suntanned' combines the prefix 'sun-' from 'sun', which originates from the Old English 'sunne', referring to the star at the center of our solar system. The word 'tanned' derives from the Old Norse word 'tan', meaning to make leather soft and pliable. Over time, 'tanned' evolved into a descriptor for skin that has been darkened by sunlight. The concept of suntanning became popular in the early 20th century as people started to view a tan as a sign of health and leisure, reflecting an active lifestyle associated with outdoor activities. The practice increased with the rise of beach culture and outdoor sports, ultimately leading to the commercialization of tanning products and artificial tanning methods.