Grande dame
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A grande dame (in French: "great lady") is a stock character designed to represent a stereotype of an elderly high society socialite.
In popular culture, the grande dame is usually portrayed as a slightly flamboyant woman, prone to extravagant and eccentric fashion, such as feather boas, large hats, and excessive costume jewelry. She may be overly pre-occupied with the concept of "acting ladylike" and expect all those around her to conform to her own high standards of etiquette.
Famous characters of this model include: Dame Maggie Smith as Constance, Countess of Trentham and Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Gosford Park and Downton Abbey respectively, Mrs. Peacock in the Cluedo (known as Clue in North America) board game, Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express, Clara Cluck in the Disney cartoons, and Lucille Bluth from Arrested Development.
The term is also used for famous old hotels with a history of catering to the aristocracy.[1][2][3][4]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/in-search-of-old-grand-dame-style-new-england-hotels.cfm
- ^ http://www.cntraveller.com/guides/europe/england/london/where-to-stay/the-lanesborough
- ^ http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2007-11-29-grande-dames_N.htm
- ^ http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/travelpurpose/2011/02/09/torontos-fairmont-royal-york-hotel-the-grande-dame-walks-her-talk/
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