The notion of "being cool" is perhaps even more subjective than whether or not one is attractive. This is because of how fluid the term is. Unlike your physical looks, which more or less are going to remain the same, the idea of what is and isn't cool is most likely going to change several times throughout your own life and most certainly in society. I mean, consider what was considered to be cool in the 1970s. Do we as a society still think afros and disco balls are cool? No. But back then a lot of people sure did.
But in this post we're going to ignore the societal concerns of whether something is cool and instead focus on the micro concerns, that is, how it effects you. Let me ask you this, and take a minute or so to really think about it, right now in your life, what do you think being cool means? After you've thought about that, think back to ten years ago. What was your definition of cool then? Now, if you're able to, think back another ten years. What did you think was cool then?
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| Ian Somerhalder as Damon in The Vampire Diaries. My old definition of cool. (Photo credit: Celeb Jacket) |
Now, what's cool to me is wearing a sharp well-fitted three-piece suit. Sometimes with the neck tie but usually without. When I see someone dressed like that I automatically think that they have their life together. They know how to be stylish. They're cool now, but ten years ago I thought that look was egotistical and for pretty boys.
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| Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. My current definition of cool (Photo credit: Film Jackets) |
You see, your definition of cool changes with your maturity level and your current interests. For example, if I were in a biker gang, I might still think wearing leather everyday is cool because I would in a place that demands it.
But enough about me. Let's talk about the term itself.
According to the Oxford dictionary, cool can be defined as the quality of being fashionabely attractive or impressive. There are several other definitions, but I like that one the best because it is intrinsically connected with your personal style. Think about it: you're most likely going to define cool based on whatever your current style is. Perhaps society doesn't agree with you, such as is the case with Steve Urkel, but you're going to think your current hobbies or attire is what cool is.
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| Steve Urkel for Family Matters thinks of himself to be cool, but I don't think anyone else on the show would agree. (Photo credit: Houston Chronicle) |
In reality though, the term doesn't actually mean anything. It's too fluid and could be used by anyone to describe anything, and it is always going to be based on the person's own inclinations.
I think, for this reason, it is best that we all agree that cool is a word without definition, a term without meaning, a word that could mean anything, a wildcard of sorts. I believe that rather than try to figure out the universal meaning of what it is to be cool, it is best that we each define it for ourselves and use our own term knowing that it is unique to us.
It seems to me that cool is nothing more than a buzzword thrown around by the fashion community as a term of endearment. It's not worth a thorough analysis because, I don't believe such an analysis is possible.
Let me know what you think though. What is your definition or ideal of cool? Do you think there is a more solid definition or do you agree that what is cool is always going to be in transition? Let me know in the comments or send me a message on my Facebook page!
-Ryan S.
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