radical chic
Noun: A superficial and fashionable adoption of radical left-wing political views, typically by wealthy or socially prominent people, often accompanied by a stylish appearance and lifestyle intended to signal solidarity with revolutionary or countercultural movements. The term implies that the commitment is more about social trendiness and personal image than genuine political conviction.
The term is used critically to describe a perceived insincerity or dilettantism in political expression. It highlights the contradiction between a person's privileged lifestyle and their professed radical ideologies.
- The journalist's article criticized the radical chic of celebrities who host fundraising galas for revolutionary causes.
- His expensive designer boots, worn while protesting income inequality, were seen as the height of radical chic.
- The movement was co-opted by radical chic, turning its serious political demands into a fashionable talking point at elite parties.
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe a person, event, or style: "a radical-chic intellectual," "a radical-chic soirée."
- It often carries a strong tone of satire, mockery, or disdain, questioning the authenticity of the individual's political engagement.
- Radical (adj/noun): (adj) Advocating for thorough or complete political or social reform; revolutionary. (noun) A person who advocates such reform.
- Chic (adj/noun): (adj) Elegantly and stylishly fashionable. (noun) Stylishness and elegance, especially in dress.
- Armchair radicalism
- Fashionable activism
- Boutique activism
- Virtue signaling (in a specific, political context)
The term was popularized by author Tom Wolfe in his 1970 essay "Radical Chic: That Party at Lenny's," which satirized a fundraising party held for the Black Panthers by composer Leonard Bernstein. It specifically connotes the adoption of left-wing radical views. The equivalent adoption of right-wing extremist views for fashionable reasons is not typically described by this term.
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an affectation of radical left-wing views and the fashionable dress and lifestyle that goes with them