KINDERWHORE Meaning and
Definition
-
Kinderwhore is a term that originated in the 1990s music scene, particularly associated with the grunge subculture. The term refers to a style of dress and attitude adopted by some young women artists and musicians, characterized by a deliberate juxtaposition of childlike innocence and provocative sexuality. The word itself is a combination of two elements: "kinder," derived from the German word for "children," and "whore," a derogatory term for a prostitute.
In terms of fashion, the kinderwhore look often involves wearing torn or babydoll dresses, patterned tights, Mary Jane shoes, and heavy makeup, which typically includes smudged or smeared red lipstick. This unique style can be seen as a visual representation of the underlying tension between societal expectations of femininity and the desire to defy those norms.
The kinderwhore aesthetic can also be interpreted as a form of feminist expression, as it challenges conventional notions of innocence and appropriateness. It is often associated with female musicians of the era, most notably Courtney Love of the band Hole, who epitomized the kinderwhore style.
While the term kinderwhore may have originally emerged as a derogatory label, it has since been reclaimed by some feminists and musicians, who view it as a symbol of empowerment and rebellion against restrictive societal norms. Its influence can still be seen today, both in alternative fashion and in the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender, sexuality, and self-expression.
Etymology of KINDERWHORE
The term "kinderwhore" is a derogatory slang term that emerged in the 1990s to describe a particular fashion style associated with female grunge musicians, particularly Courtney Love, the frontwoman of the band Hole. The word is composed of two parts:
1. "Kinder": This part of the word originates from the German language, where "kinder" means "children". In this context, it does not directly refer to children, but rather implies a childlike or youthful appearance.
2. "Whore": This part of the word is an English word derived from Old English and was initially used to describe a promiscuous woman or someone who engages in sexual activities for money.
The combination of these two words reflects the provocative, grungy, and deliberately provocative fashion style popularized by female grunge musicians in the 1990s.
