Bobos is a term that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the United States. It is a slang word that refers to a particular social group, and it has its roots in the French language. The term has been used in various contexts, and its meaning has evolved over time. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of bobos.
Definitions
Bobos is a slang term that refers to a particular social group that is characterized by their middle-class values and their interest in cultural and intellectual pursuits. The term is an acronym for “bourgeois bohemians,” and it was first coined by David Brooks in his book “Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There.”
According to Brooks, bobos are a new type of elite that emerged in the late 20th century. They are a blend of the traditional bourgeoisie and the bohemian counterculture, and they value both material success and cultural fulfillment.
Origin
The term bobos has its roots in the French language. The word “bourgeois” means middle-class, while “bohemian” refers to a person who leads an unconventional lifestyle, often associated with artists and intellectuals. The term was first used in the 19th century to describe a particular social class in France.
In the 1990s, the term was revived by David Brooks in his book “Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There.” Brooks used the term to describe a new type of elite that emerged in the United States, characterized by their middle-class values and their interest in cultural and intellectual pursuits.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bobos can vary depending on the context in which it is used. In some dictionaries, the term is defined as a slang word for “bothersome bumps,” while in others, it is defined as a slang word for “bourgeois bohemians.”
In the Oxford English Dictionary, bobos is defined as “a member of a social group characterized by a blend of bourgeois and bohemian values, lifestyles, and tastes.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a person who combines bourgeois values and bohemianism.”
Associations
Bobos are often associated with a particular lifestyle that values both material success and cultural fulfillment. They are known for their interest in art, literature, and music, as well as their love of food, wine, and travel.
Bobos are also associated with a particular political ideology, often described as liberal or progressive. They are known for their support of environmentalism, social justice, and multiculturalism.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bobos include:
- Bourgeois bohemians.
- Bohemian bourgeoisie.
- Cultural creatives.
- New urbanites.
- Hipsters.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for bobos include:
- Traditionalists.
- Conservatives.
- Materialists.
- Philistines.
- Anti-intellectuals.
The same root words
The root words of bobos are “bourgeois” and “bohemian.” Bourgeois refers to the middle class, while bohemian refers to a person who leads an unconventional lifestyle, often associated with artists and intellectuals.
Example Sentences
- The bobos in our neighborhood are always trying out new restaurants and attending cultural events.
- Bobos are known for their interest in art, literature, and music.
- David Brooks coined the term bobos in his book “Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There.”
- Bobos are often associated with a particular political ideology, often described as liberal or progressive.
- Some people see bobos as a new type of elite, while others see them as a symbol of cultural diversity and creativity.