Poseur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Poseur is a label given to a person who adopts the dress, speech, and/or mannerisms of a particular group or subculture in order to impress the person(s) within the group. The lifestyle which he or she is trying to adopt is not one with which he or she would normally associate: it is "other than his or her true one."[1]
Poser, a synonym of "poseur", is often used to refer to such a person. A "poser" is simply "one who poses" or "pretends to be something he is not." [2].
[edit] Usage
Which persons qualify as "poseurs", or what constitutes "being a poseur" is largely subjective to those within the many different cultures and sub-cultures of music, fashion, media, sports, and languages, where "poseurs" make their efforts. This concept can apply to any group where there are defined methods of behavior, speech, or dress available for imitation.
The terms "poseur" and "poser" in turn can also be used as a general insult to insinuate that one's mannerisms are inauthentic. A "poseur", or "poser", once "discovered", is often the subject of contempt, mockery, or other negative social connotations within the particular groups.[citation needed]
A "poseur" is similar to a "wannabe", but is one who has already begun various stages of imitation.
[edit] Notes
- ^ poseur. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/poseur (accessed: January 10, 2007).
- ^ poser. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/poser (accessed: January 10, 2007).
[edit] Links
Poseur Ink Comics and Apparel for the obsessive compulsive Poseur
