Overview Cool_(aesthetic)

1 overview

1.1 behavioral characteristic
1.2 state of being
1.3 aesthetic appeal
1.4 fashion
1.5 epithet

overview

a timeline of cool, adapted dick pountain , david robins, cool rules: anatomy of attitude

there no single concept of cool. 1 of essential characteristics of cool mutability—what considered cool changes on time , varies among cultures , generations.

one consistent aspect however, cool seen positive , desirable.

although there no single concept of cool, definitions fall few broad categories.

as behavioral characteristic

the sum , substance of cool self-conscious aplomb in overall behavior, entails set of specific behavioral characteristics firmly anchored in symbology, set of discernible bodily movements, postures, facial expressions , voice modulations acquired , take on strategic social value within peer context.

cool once attitude fostered rebels , underdogs, such slaves, prisoners, bikers , political dissidents, etc., whom open rebellion invited punishment, hid defiance behind wall of ironic detachment, distancing source of authority rather directly confronting it.

in general, coolness positive trait based on inference cultural object (e.g., person or brand) autonomous in appropriate way. person or brand not constrained norms, expectation of beliefs of others.

as state of being

cool has been used describe general state of well-being, transcendent, internal state of peace , serenity. can refer absence of conflict, state of harmony , balance in, land cool, or in cool [spiritual] heart. such meanings, according thompson, african in origin. cool related in sense both social control , transcendental balance.

cool can used describe composure , absence of excitement in person—especially in times of stress—as expressed in idiom keep cool.

in related way, word can used express agreement or assent, in phrase m cool .

as aesthetic appeal

cool attitude adopted artists , intellectuals, thereby aided infiltration popular culture. sought product marketing firms, idealized teenagers, shield against racial oppression or political persecution , source of constant cultural innovation, cool has become global phenomenon has spread every corner of earth. concepts of cool have existed centuries in several cultures.

as fashion

in terms of fashion, concept of cool has transformed 1960s 1990s becoming integrated in dominant fabric of culture. america’s mass-production of ready-to-wear fashion in 1940s , ‘50s, established specific conventional outfits markers of ones fixed social role in society. subcultures such hippies, felt repressed dominating conservative ideology of 1940s , ‘50s towards conformity , rebelled. according dick pountain’s definition of cool, hippie s fashionable dress can seen cool because of prominent deviation away standard uniformity of dress , mass-production of dress, created totalitarian system of fashion seen cool. had various different styles features bold colors such trippy hippie, fantasy hippie, retro hippie, ethnic hippie, , craft hippie. additionally, according strain theory, hippie’s hand production of clothing makes them cool. naturally hand-making clothing rebelled against consumerism in passive manner because allowed them not participate in lifestyle, makes them cool. result of disengagement, scope of self-critique limited because mask filtered negative thoughts of worthlessness, fostering opportunity self-worth.

starting in 1990s , continuing 21st century, concept of dressing cool went out of minority , mainstream culture, making dressing cool dominant ideology. cool entered mainstream because hippie rebels of late 1960s senior executives of business sectors , of fashion industry. since grew cool , maintained same values, knew rules , knew how accurately market , produce such clothing. however, once cool became dominant ideology in 21st century definition changed not 1 of rebellion of 1 attempting hide insecurities in confident manner.

the fashion-grunge style of 1990s , 21st century allowed people felt financially insecure lifestyle pretend fit in wearing unique piece of clothing, 1 polished beautiful. example, unlike hippie style diverges norm, through marc jacobs combined fashion-grunge style of little preppie, little grunge , little couture, produces not bold statement 1 mysterious , awkward creating ambiguous perception of wearer’s internal feelings are.

as epithet

while slang terms short-lived coinages , figures of speech, cool ubiquitous slang word, notably among young people. being understood throughout english-speaking world, word has entered vocabulary of several languages other english.

in sense, cool used general positive epithet or interjection, can have range of related adjectival meanings.