FOOTBALL CASUAL Meaning and
Definition
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Football casual refers to a subculture of fashion and style that emerged in the 1980s among football fans in the United Kingdom. The term primarily originated within the British football fandom, but the concept and style have also spread to other countries. Football casual, often shortened to "casual," denotes a specific fashion style associated with football hooligans and fanatics.
The essence of football casual is a combination of sportswear, designer brands, and a distinctive attention to detail. This subculture places a strong emphasis on high-quality clothing and footwear, often incorporating luxury labels and designer brands to enhance their appearance and showcase affluence. Clothing items such as designer polo shirts, fitted suits, high-end trainers, and branded accessories are commonly associated with this style.
Football casuals employ their fashion choices as a form of tribal identity, representing their allegiance to a particular football team or affiliation with a specific group. The culture became known for its distinctive style of dress, characterized by its unassuming, low-key, and yet meticulously curated aesthetic.
Beyond fashion, football casuals are also recognized for their non-confrontational approach towards rival supporters. Unlike the traditional hooligan behavior associated with football violence, the football casual movement focuses primarily on fashion and socializing rather than aggressive confrontation. This distinction sets it apart from the negative connotations often associated with the football fan subculture.
Overall, football casual can be regarded as a fashion subculture within the broader context of football fandom, known for its distinct style and attention to detail, as well as its emphasis on socializing and tribal identity.
Etymology of FOOTBALL CASUAL
The term "football casual" originated in the United Kingdom and is associated with a subculture of football fans known as the "casuals". The word "casual" in this context refers to individuals who adopted a particular fashion style associated with football hooliganism in the 1970s and 1980s.
The etymology of the term "football casual" is derived from a combination of the sport of football and the casual fashion style. These fans developed a distinctive fashion sense, often wearing expensive designer clothing, such as brands like Stone Island, Aquascutum, Burberry, and Lacoste. These outfits reflected a desire to distinguish themselves from mainstream football fans and other subcultures while remaining fashionable and avoiding attention from law enforcement.
The term gained popularity during the 1980s and was often used to describe fans who would attend matches dressed in their casual clothing, rather than the traditional football supporter attire.
