[embonpoint] was once a completely positive term in France

Discussion:

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HenHanna

2024-05-07 23:33:16 UTC

Embonpoint is apparently defined as persons who
are considered larger than usual.

I don't know about the English use, but in French it designates a

stomach larger than usual, typically at a male - the special rounded
shape that resembles a pregnant woman. -- Bertel Kolt, Denmark <<<

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[embonpoint] was once a completely positive term in France.
It literally translates to "in good point" and historically conveyed a
meaning of healthy weight, fullness, and even prosperity.

Here's why it was seen positively:

Scarcity and Strength: In the past, food scarcity was more common.

Embonpoint indicated someone had access to enough food to be
well-nourished and even robust, which was a sign of health and well-being.

Social Status: A fuller figure could also suggest wealth and
social status. Manual labor was more prevalent, and a thin physique
might be associated with the working class. Someone with embonpoint
might not have had to engage in strenuous physical activity to survive.

Over time, perceptions of body image have shifted in France, as elsewhere.

Today, embonpoint can still be used in a neutral way, but it can also
have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting someone is overweight.

A more positive term for someone who is pleasantly plump might be
**rond(e) **(round).

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The shift likely began sometime in the 19th century or even earlier.

Here's why:

Early Signs: By the 18th century, there's evidence of some
advocating for slimmer figures, particularly among the upper class. This
suggests a potential beginning of a shift.

постепенное изменение (postupannoe izmenenie) ( постепенное изменение is
the Russian for gradual change, there is no direct equivalent in English
but it conveys the idea of a slow shift over time)

While a precise date is elusive, the gradual change in perception
likely happened between the 18th and 20th centuries.

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The American shift in perception happened largely around 1950's-1970's
(the fashion model Twiggy) (Audrey Hepburn)

Here's why this era is significant:

Rise of "The Ideal Figure": The post-war era (post-WWII)
saw a boom in advertising and media. Images of thinness as the ideal
body type for women became increasingly prevalent. Fashion models like
Twiggy, known for her slender frame, became cultural icons.

Focus on Health and Fitness: There was a growing emphasis on
health and fitness during this period. Diet culture started to gain
momentum, with a focus on calorie counting and weight loss.

Shifting Standards of Beauty: Actresses like Audrey Hepburn,
known for her petite figure and gamine look, epitomized the new beauty
standard. These cultural influences significantly impacted how Americans
perceived healthy and attractive body types.

While there was certainly some body diversity before the 1950s, the
post-war era marked a more concentrated push towards a specific ideal of
thinness, particularly for women. This shift continues to influence
perceptions of weight in the US today.

Bebercito

2024-05-08 15:49:10 UTC