My parents, the dictionary, and society taught me that demure meant being reserved, modest, and shy— 70 years ago. Today, there seems to be an alternative definition. Social media says demure means being cutesy, clean, and mindful. Hmmm!!
Ahhhh, refreshing. Demure can change, as we can, but each of us has an opportunity to be the BEST we can and be WHO we have evolved to be, within our comfort zones. We don't need to accept every little twitch of the future.
I like the bottom look and would probably wear it quite happily. If that's demure, fine. But cutesy? Good lord! Cutesy is NOT what those models are displaying. Cutesy is an awful word
I too googled 'demure' and found the Oxford meaning - edited it a little to fit a modern concept.
Demure: adjective
reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman).
I am with you on this Janice. I can only welcome any fashion changes that result in less makeup and longer hemlines-long enough to cover my scars from knee replacement. I am not fully understanding how the cutesy and mindful part of this new definition fits with some of the examples I have seen of people currently being described as demure.
"I thought a brat was a badly behaved child." Loved that one, as also the rest of the article. You will like this one. There's a 200-year old club in the city of Chennai, where I live, that still has dress codes from the British colonial times and prescribes that "ladies should be decorously attired."
I don't follow or read any influencers. When I come across them I note who is following them and it makes me even more determined to march to the beat of my own drum.
I hear you , Janice. We do understand that all language is fluid and ever-changing and always has been, that's just the way of it. If not, we would all still be speaking and writing like Chaucer. The difference now, of course, is that the change is happening at lightning speed because of media. And, well, who has the loudest voice on social media, etc? The young and uneducated. Some of the stuff out there is so incredibly stupid, especially when it comes from "influencers" and others who are totally addicted ..... to themselves! My suggestion: let's not even go there. It is an unwinnable battle. sigh
Have a Great Holiday Weekend!
My parents, the dictionary, and society taught me that demure meant being reserved, modest, and shy— 70 years ago. Today, there seems to be an alternative definition. Social media says demure means being cutesy, clean, and mindful. Hmmm!!
For me as an 82 yo man demure implied kind of sexy but in a quietly seductive way. Great post.
Ahhhh, refreshing. Demure can change, as we can, but each of us has an opportunity to be the BEST we can and be WHO we have evolved to be, within our comfort zones. We don't need to accept every little twitch of the future.
“Demure” cracks me up. Great post.
I like the bottom look and would probably wear it quite happily. If that's demure, fine. But cutesy? Good lord! Cutesy is NOT what those models are displaying. Cutesy is an awful word
I too googled 'demure' and found the Oxford meaning - edited it a little to fit a modern concept.
Demure: adjective
reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman).
Similar: modest, unassuming, mild, reserved, retiring...diffident, reticent, decorous, decent, seemly, ladylike, respectable, proper, virtuous.
Pretty well anything but what influencers seem to be. But I may be wrong...
Hi Prue, That's what I was thinking pretty well anything but what the influencers are and offer.
Yes, I agree, what’s wrong with being respectful and ladylike and not show off my assets at the age of 79……keep everyone guessing 😊
I am with you on this Janice. I can only welcome any fashion changes that result in less makeup and longer hemlines-long enough to cover my scars from knee replacement. I am not fully understanding how the cutesy and mindful part of this new definition fits with some of the examples I have seen of people currently being described as demure.
Hi Jo, I know what you mean - long sleeves and leotards for me to cover up the wrinkles and broken blood vessels. Sigh!
"I thought a brat was a badly behaved child." Loved that one, as also the rest of the article. You will like this one. There's a 200-year old club in the city of Chennai, where I live, that still has dress codes from the British colonial times and prescribes that "ladies should be decorously attired."
Oh my!
I don't follow or read any influencers. When I come across them I note who is following them and it makes me even more determined to march to the beat of my own drum.
I couldn't agree more!!
I hear you , Janice. We do understand that all language is fluid and ever-changing and always has been, that's just the way of it. If not, we would all still be speaking and writing like Chaucer. The difference now, of course, is that the change is happening at lightning speed because of media. And, well, who has the loudest voice on social media, etc? The young and uneducated. Some of the stuff out there is so incredibly stupid, especially when it comes from "influencers" and others who are totally addicted ..... to themselves! My suggestion: let's not even go there. It is an unwinnable battle. sigh
I'm with you - let's not even go there.