borscht belt
Definition
Noun: - A resort area in the Catskill Mountains of New York: This term refers to a region of summer resorts and hotels in the Catskill Mountains of New York State, historically popular from the early to mid-20th century. - Associated with a specific cultural clientele: It was patronized primarily by American Jews, especially from New York City, and became a significant center for Jewish-American entertainment and culture.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- My grandparents spent their honeymoon in the borscht belt during the 1950s.
- The borscht belt was famous for its large hotels, comedians, and summer entertainment.
Advanced Usage
- "the borscht circuit": A closely related term referring specifically to the network of venues and hotels within the Borscht Belt where performers, especially comedians, would work.
- Many famous comedians started their careers on the borscht circuit.
Variants and Related Words
- Borscht circuit (n): The circuit of performance venues within the Borscht Belt region.
- Playing the borscht circuit was a traditional way for new comedians to develop their acts.
Synonyms
- Catskill resorts: A more general, descriptive term for the area.
- Jewish Alps (informal, historical): A colloquial nickname for the region.
Notes on Meaning
The term "borscht belt" is inherently informal and carries strong cultural and historical connotations. It specifically evokes a bygone era of American Jewish social life and entertainment. The name derives from borscht, a beet soup common in Eastern European Jewish cuisine.
Noun
-
(informal) a resort area in the Catskill Mountains of New York that was patronized primarily by Jewish guests
-
many comedians learned their trade playing the borscht circuit
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
