🎩 The Smart Set: A Throwback to the Fancy Few 🌟
Definition:
The Smart Set: Refers to the fashionable, socially elite people, particularly of the late-nineteenth century. While originally meant to describe the genuinely “smart” figures in high society, it sometimes hinted at the more ostentatious nouveau riche.
Famous Quote:
“Behind what I call the ‘smart set’ in society, there always stood the old, solid, substantial, respected people.” – Ward McAllister, Society As I Have Found It, 1890.
Related Terms:
- Jet Set: The affluent, fashionable people who travel extensively by jet.
- Beautiful People: A more modern term referring to the glamorous and attractive people typically seen in media and high society.
- High Society: The upper class or social elite, especially those who are glamorous or influential.
- Nouveau Riche: Newly rich individuals, particularly those who acquire wealth rapidly and flaunt it.
Synonyms:
- Glitterati: Celebrities or fashionable people with a high social status.
- Chic Crowd: Stylish people who are trendy and elegant.
- Elite: The group of people seen as having the most power and influence in society.
Antonyms:
- Commoner: An average person without high social status or elitist privileges.
- Plebeian: Belonging to the lower social classes.
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A classic novel that captures the glitz of the roaring twenties and the distinction between old money and nouveau riche.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): A film that showcases high society and the allure of the fashionable elite.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2003): A novel (and later a film) showing the glamorous world of high fashion.
- Downton Abbey (2010-2015): A TV series that explores the lives of the British aristocracy and their servants.
Humor-filled Quote:
”I tried to start an exclusive club for eccentric geniuses, but it turns out the ‘smart set’ already had me blacklisted.” —Anonymous
Intriguing Pop Proverb:
”Not all that glitters is gold, but all that’s glittering surely belongs to the smart set.”
Inspirational Farewell:
“Remember, the world may rave about the newest flash, the latest fad, but genuine wisdom and substance never go out of style. Stay timeless, stay true.”
