Fashion has a new lingo all of its own. For instance you don’t say that something is trendy any more. You say its “on trend” instead. If clothes are really hot you say they are “dope” or “fierce.” In fact that is how this blog got its name- Fashion Fierce. Fierce also has another implication because of a blog online called Fierce Fashion. That term is sometimes used to refer to clothing for lesbian and gay individuals. The exact meaning of fierce might depend on where you are living in the world.
Where is all this lingo coming from? Many say it is the influence of fashion television that is changing the language of fashion. It is shows like Project Runway and America’s Top Model that are teaching us new ways of talking about the clothes we like. In fact it was probably Tyra Banks, the host of America’s Next Top Model who helped to popularize the term “fierce.” The winner of Project Runway, Christian Siriano, also used the word a lot when he was on the show and helped to immerse it in the common vernacular.
Bloggers, fashionistas and marketers of fashion have also had some say in what words are appropriate lingo. Look at any advertising copy and you will see all kinds of references to the phrases we see flung around on reality television shows.
According to a Reuters story at Canada.com, Tim Gunn (one of the hosts of Project Runway) says that the words “chic”, “polished” and “sophisticated” will always be part of the way we talk about fashion. He has actually coined a phrase that tipped and is now in common usage. It is the famous “make it work.” Gunn also says that “on trend” is the hip phrase to use instead of “trendy”. He is also very personally fond of the word “stunning.”
Paris Hilton’s famous compliment – “that’s hot” is also still hot. So are the words “lovely” and “amazing.” “Glammitt” is another popular phrase. You can augment it even further might saying “Dammit that’s Glammit!”
If you think something is ugly or in bad taste it is now hot to say that it is “prune.” As in “that pair of Crocs is really prune!” It can also refer to a garment that is sewn very badly.
The term “chic” is likely to continue its popularity as the famous labels it is closely associated with, such as Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as an affirmation about elegance.
There are definitely some words that just not that chic anymore. The word “rad” doesn’t really work anymore as an expression of personal approval. The word bling is also very much on its way out and reminiscent of the era when Paris Hilton used to hang with P. Diddy.