Square (slang)

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Square is slang for a person who is conventional and old-fashioned, similar to a fuddy-duddy. [1] [2] [3] This sense of the word "square" originated with the American jazz community in the 1940s in reference to people "out of touch" with musical trends. [1] Older senses of the term square, referring positively to someone or something honest and upstanding, date back to the 16th century. [3] [4]

Contents

History

The English word square dates to the 13th century and derives from the Old French esquarre .By the 1570s, it was in use in reference to someone or something honest or fair. [3] [4] This positive sense is preserved in phrases such as "fair and square", meaning something done in an honest and straightforward manner, [5] and "square deal", meaning an outcome equitable to all sides. [6] A West Country variant on the phrase, "fairs pears", bears the same meaning and was first traced by Cecil Sharp in 1903 when visiting his friend (and lyrics editor) Charles Marson in Hambridge, South Somerset. [7]

The sense of square as a derogatory reference to someone conventional or old-fashioned dates to the jazz scene of the 1940s; the first known reference is from 1944. There it applied to someone who failed to appreciate the medium of jazz, or more broadly, someone whose tastes were out of date and out of touch. It may derive from the rigid motion of a conductor's hands in a conventional, four-beat rhythm. [3] It is used as both an adjective and a noun. [1] [2] A square contrasted with someone who was hip , or in the know. [1] The cub scout promise included the pledge "to be square" from the 1950s to the 1970s. In contemporary language, U.S. branches of the military refer to "squared away" to describe things that are ordered.

In today's context, being "out of touch" has broadened beyond physical separation to include social, cultural, or informational disconnects, and generally means to lack awareness, understanding, or connection with current trends, social realities, technology, or cultural perspectives. A person might be considered out of touch if their views, language, or cultural references are dated and no longer align with current social norms or youth culture. For example, older individuals using outdated slang or being unaware of trending social media platforms may be labeled out of touch. In the digital world, it often implies a lack of familiarity with technology or digital communication methods, such as social media trends, mobile apps, or virtual communication norms. Someone can be out of touch with societal issues, politics, or social justice movements. For instance, making comments that ignore or dismiss current societal concerns can lead to this impression. Within workplaces, it might mean not keeping up with industry developments, market trends, or new best practices, which can affect decision-making and credibility.

According to American singer Huey Lewis, his 1986 single "Hip to Be Square" unintentionally became an "anthem for square people". [8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "square, adj., d." . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  2. 1 2 "square, n., 16 a." . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  3. 1 2 3 4 Harper, Douglas. "square". Online Etymology Dictionary . Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "square, adj., c." . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  5. ↑ "fair and square, adv. and adj." . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  6. ↑ "deal, n.2 2. c." . Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  7. ↑ Sharp, C and Marson, C Folk Songs from Somerset vols 1-3 1904-1906 Simpkin
  8. ↑ Blerly, Mandi (August 4, 2008). "Name That Movie Mondays! (Vol. 7: Special Huey Lewis & the News edition)". Entertainment Weekly.


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