Preppy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Preppy, also spelled preppie, is a shortened version of the word preparatory. It is a chiefly North American adjective or noun traditionally used in relation to northeastern private university-preparatory schools, as well as those who attend Ivy League or other prestigious colonial era colleges and universities. The term is used to denote a person seen as characteristic of an attendee of these schools.[1] Characteristics of preppies include a particular subcultural speech, vocabulary, accent, dress, mannerisms, and etiquette.
New Englanders are often stereotyped as being preppy due to the region's connections to old money.
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[edit] Definition
The preppy style originated in the 1960s and the 1970s. As the style is associated with the WASP ethnonym, preppies frequently wear more traditional styles.[2][3]
Classical preps frequently dress formally; the teenage prep often models the appearance of a young professional adult. Many preps play sports perceived as typical of higher classes.
[edit] Fashion
The classical clothing worn by traditional preps can be seen as bland by those unaccustomed to it. Frequently wearing inconspicuous clothing, the styles usually worn by preps are nonetheless more expensive than most other styles.
Brands such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Jos. A Bank, Brooks Brothers, J. Press, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and J. Crew are frequently perceived as preppy styles.[4] An example of preppy attire is a button down Oxford cloth shirt, an argyle sweater, cuffed chinos, and boat shoes.
In 1980, the author and private school alumna Lisa Birnbach[5] edited The Official Preppy Handbook, a tongue-in-cheek guide to what she termed "prepdom". Though intended as satire, it is widely adhered to as a guidebook by those who embrace the traditional interpretation of preppy fashion.[citation needed]
[edit] Lifestyle
Among the more common sports played by preps are swimming, skiing, fencing, tennis, golf, rowing, field hockey, sailing, squash, lacrosse, polo, rugby, and water polo. These sports historically have been played by the traditionally upper classes of American society.
[edit] Slang definition
The term preppy has also come to mean those who strive to appear better off financially or socially than others in a middle-class environment. In many regions, and especially among young people, this usage has virtually replaced the traditional meaning of the word. Used in this manner, preppy is often applied contrary to the term's original meaning. Among the brands seen as preppy under the slang definition are Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister, though most preps do not consider these middle-class brands truly "preppy".[citation needed]
