APAD: Designer Stubble

7
7grizzly
楼主 (文学城)

Meaning:

   A short growth of beard, aimed to affect a rugged masculine or deliberately

   unkempt appearance.

 

Background:

   Stubble has been the word used since the 13th century to denote the short cut

   stumps of grain-stalks left in the ground after harvesting. Since the 17th

   century `stubble-beard' has been used also to refer to the short growth of

   men's beards.

 

   During most of the 20th century a clean-shaven appearance was considered

   smart and hygienic in Western society. In the 1980s the beard growth that had

   previously been derided as `five o-clock shadow' became the fashionable

   `designer stubble'. This was the name given to the rugged macho look that men

   obtained by going a few days without shaving. The image that was conveyed was

   that the wearer was either too busy or too rebellious and carefree to bother

   with shaving. It also harked back to the cool and macho appearance affected

   by actors like Clint Eastwood in his 1960s spaghetti western roles.

 

   The best known of all `designer stubble' wearers was George Michael. The look

   wasn't easy to maintain as it required a few days' beard growth and shaving

   spoiled the effect. The electric beard trimmer came to the rescue and once it

   became easy to maintain the look for long periods it became much more

   popular. The earliest reference to the phrase that I have found is in

   Familiar Friends - Northwest Plants, Rhoda Whittlessey, July 1985:

 

     "De Ijsbreker Musiekcentrum is a vibrant, cutting-edge venue favored by

     intellectuals and the designer-stubble set."

 

   That reference is to a performance venue in Amsterdam by an American author,

   so we can reasonably assume that the term was current in the US by 1985. An

   unambiguous definition of it comes soon afterwards in Campaign Magazine,

   August 1986:

   That reference is to a performance venue in Amsterdam by an American author,

   so we can reasonably assume that the term was current in the US by 1985. An

   unambiguous definition of it comes soon afterwards in Campaign Magazine,

   August 1986:

 

     "The beard trimmer, which allows the user to wear a fashionable `designer

     stubble' look without having to shave and grow it every three days, is

     already popular in the US."

 

- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]

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I knew mutton chops and designer clothes before "designer stubble" and now the

story is complete. It only makes sense. Why not if one can be both lazy and

fashionable? I rarely see Asian males wear designer stubble, though. Our beard

looks better Laozi/Guangong style.

最西边的岛上
hahaha, U r so funny 7G! I know very little of designer
最西边的岛上
stuff, never mind Stubble :-) So white flag & I give up ;-))
7
7grizzly
Once you know, you see them everywhere. People show off.
最西边的岛上
U r right & reminded me a true story: years ago a co-worker
最西边的岛上
kept raising hisHand onMy face when talkig2me, very annoying
最西边的岛上
until I noticed a new someNameWatch on his wrist. LOL.
最西边的岛上
theMostExpensiveWatch I ever had was a $70 d-watch - a gift
移花接木
I don't use shaver or razor, trimmer instead, so stubble

more or less

最西边的岛上
what is the brand name? just kidding ;-))
移花接木
Stubble? could be
妖妖灵
You may wear designer stubble to have a new fashionable
妖妖灵
look!:)
7
7grizzly
That’s hilarious. I’d pretend seeing nothing:)))
7
7grizzly
A contrarian in the rough :))
最西边的岛上
yes, veryFunny. &he won't stop till I said: U've a newWatch?
7
7grizzly
I’d prefer 五绺长髯to designer stubble any day:)
妖妖灵
It is possible if u become an actor!:)
天边一片白云
After going back office post pandemic, many co workers
天边一片白云
Wear designer stubble.
7
7grizzly
Jason Statham
7
7grizzly
Right. A great example of making virtue of necessity.
7
7grizzly
A few more sincere Qs, e.g., its model, make, cost, etc.,
7
7grizzly
would win you a friend for life :-)
最西边的岛上
that's funny ;-) maybe they forgot how to shave after 2years
最西边的岛上
hahaha, ony1Q &he offered theBrand which I forgot sameDay ;)
最西边的岛上
I rather stay far away from people who show off ;-))
J
JoyAnna.
7g兄感恩节快乐
7
7grizzly
Thank you, JoyAnna. Same to you!