Kiwis often don't know what preppy culture is!
The basic answer could be "The Kennedys" or rich people from the east coast of the United States. Of course, this is incredibly general, and not necessarily true, but it is an entry point to understanding.
Most people see it as a fashion style featuring headbands, pearls, and polos- basically the rich kids in 80s movies. Clothing certainly plays a large role, as in any culture, but preppiness extends far beyond John Hughes tropes and Animal House.
To be preppy is to value frugality, respect, and tact. There are questions you ask and questions you never would ask. What did you study at uni is a good question but give any discussion of money a width berth (even vaguely).
It is about wrapping up in old blankets, left by your grandparents, rather than turning on the heater.
It is wearing the pearls your aunt left you, not the latest Louis Vuitton IT item.
It is paying your dentist bill before splurging on gadgets.
It is a cracked iPhone screen, eeking it out until you finally get the screen fixed but no way are you going to replace it as it is "perfectly good" til it's dead.
It is about never outstaying your welcome and always jumping in to do the dishes.
It is leaving a personal, and witty, gift when you part somebody's house, after staying there. Left on their kitchen bench with a little card
No comments:
Post a Comment