"Trustafarian" is a slang term used to describe young people from privileged backgrounds who adopt a bohemian lifestyle. The word is a combination of "trust fund" and "Rastafarian," suggesting that these individuals can afford to embrace the counterculture without facing the economic hardships experienced by many true Rastafarians. In IPA phonetic transcription, "trustafarian" would be spelled /ˌtrʌstəˈfɛəriən/, with stress on the second syllable. Its first syllable is pronounced as "truhst," while the second syllable is pronounced as "fay-ree-un."
Trustafarian is a slang term that is derived from the words "trust fund" and "Rastafarian." This term refers to a person, typically a young adult, who belongs to a wealthy family and relies on a trust fund or inheritance as their source of income and sustenance. They espouse a pseudo-Rastafarian or bohemian lifestyle, often adopting the outward appearance and mannerisms associated with the Rastafarian culture, such as dreadlocks, tie-dye clothing, and a laid-back attitude.
Characteristically, a trustafarian tends to reject traditional societal norms, often seen as rebellious or counter-cultural. They may be associated with a liberal political stance and a strong inclination towards environmentalism, organic living, and alternative forms of spirituality. Trustafarians are often found frequenting music festivals, yoga retreats, or other countercultural gatherings where they can connect with like-minded individuals.
The term "trustafarian" can carry a certain connotation of privilege and inauthenticity, as the individual's lifestyle is often seen as a superficial attempt to adopt a certain image or subculture, without truly understanding or living by its values. The trustafarian lifestyle is seen by some as an affront to those who genuinely embrace the Rastafarian or bohemian way of life out of economic necessity or heartfelt beliefs, rather than a desire to rebel against societal expectations. Overall, the term "trustafarian" encompasses a specific segment of privileged individuals who romantically playact a lifestyle characterized by their wealth and a perceived connection to Rastafarian culture.
The word "trustafarian" is a blend of two terms: "trust" and "Rastafarian".
- "Trust" refers to an affluent individual who is living on a trust fund, a sum of money or assets set aside for someone by a wealthy family member or benefactor. In this context, it denotes the privileged background and financial support of such individuals.
- "Rastafarian" is a religious and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica during the 1930s. Rastafarians follow the teachings of Marcus Garvey and consider Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as their divine figure. They have distinct beliefs, including the importance of African heritage, the promotion of peace, and the rejection of materialistic and consumerist lifestyles.