TEDDY BOYS Meaning and
Definition
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Teddy boys were a youth subculture that emerged in post-World War II Britain during the 1950s. The term "teddy boys" is a colloquialism derived from Edwardian, as these young men often styled themselves after the fashion of the Edwardian era that preceded the First World War. Teddy boys were typically working-class teenagers who adopted a distinctive and flamboyant style, seen as a rejection of the austere wartime years.
Characterized by their tailored drape jackets with velvet collars, drainpipe trousers, brightly colored socks, and thick-soled shoes known as "brothel creepers," teddy boys sought to bring a sense of individuality and rebellion to the conservative society of the time. They also accessorized with tightly knotted narrow ties, waistcoats, and oversized pompadour hairstyles. Additionally, teddy boys often displayed an affinity for rock and roll music, which further reinforced their rebellious image.
However, the emergence of the teddy boy subculture was not simply about fashion. It represented a social phenomenon of working-class youth reclaiming their identity and asserting their own cultural values. The rebellious and macho image of the teddy boys sometimes resulted in clashes with other rival youth subcultures, such as the mods and rockers, leading to notorious incidents in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
While the influence of the teddy boys began to decline in the 1960s, their impact on British culture remains significant. The teddy boy style has been periodically revived and continues to inspire fashion and music, contributing to the multicultural fabric of Britain's youth subcultures.
Common Misspellings for TEDDY BOYS
- reddy boys
- feddy boys
- geddy boys
- yeddy boys
- 6eddy boys
- 5eddy boys
- twddy boys
- tsddy boys
- tdddy boys
- trddy boys
- t4ddy boys
- t3ddy boys
- tesdy boys
- texdy boys
- tecdy boys
- tefdy boys
- terdy boys
- teedy boys
Etymology of TEDDY BOYS
The term "teddy boys" originated in Britain in the 1950s. It is believed to have derived from a style of clothing that was popular among these young men at the time. The term "teddy" is shortened from "Edwardian", which refers to the fashion of the Edwardian era (1901-1910). The Edwardian style had elements of aristocratic and dandyish fashion, such as long jackets, high-waisted trousers, and brogues. The young men who adopted this style in the 1950s were often referred to as "teddy boys" due to their affinity for these Edwardian-inspired clothes. Over time, the term "teddy boys" became synonymous with this youth subculture and their distinctive style.
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