Rah (slang): Difference between revisions
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'''Rah'''<ref>{{cite news|author=Tom Meltzer |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/28/gap-year-spoof-youtube |title=The gap-year video spoof that went viral | Technology |publisher=The Guardian |date= 2010-03-28|accessdate=2013-09-29 |location=London}}</ref> is a pejorative term referring to a stereotypical affluent young [[Social structure of Britain#Upper class|upper class]] or [[Social structure of Britain#Upper middle class|upper-middle class]] person (male or female) in the [[United Kingdom]]. The characteristics of a rah are similar to those of the [[Sloane Ranger]] stereotype also recognised in the UK, though a rah is generally younger, typically around university age (18–25). An important feature of the rah stereotype is the enjoyment of an affluent/party lifestyle with excessive financial assistance from their parents. |
'''Rah'''<ref>{{cite news|author=Tom Meltzer |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/28/gap-year-spoof-youtube |title=The gap-year video spoof that went viral | Technology |publisher=The Guardian |date= 2010-03-28|accessdate=2013-09-29 |location=London}}</ref> is a pejorative term referring to a stereotypical affluent young [[Social structure of Britain#Upper class|upper class]] or [[Social structure of Britain#Upper middle class|upper-middle class]] person (male or female) in the [[United Kingdom]]. The characteristics of a rah are similar to those of the [[Sloane Ranger]] stereotype also recognised in the UK, though a rah is generally younger, typically around university age (18–25). An important feature of the rah stereotype is the enjoyment of an affluent/party lifestyle with excessive financial assistance from their parents. |
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The term is possibly an onomatopoeic reference to how those fitting the stereotype are perceived to talk, with the word 'rah' being associated with upper-middle class affluence since at least the early 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
The term is possibly an onomatopoeic reference to how those fitting the stereotype are perceived to talk, with the word 'rah' being associated with upper-middle class affluence since at least the early 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dNHia4_HDyc#t=603s |title=The Young Ones (episode 1 series 2) Bambi part 2 |publisher=YouTube |date= |accessdate=2013-09-29}}</ref> |
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==Characteristics of the stereotype== |
==Characteristics of the stereotype== |
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Revision as of 10:05, 26 November 2016
 | The article's lead section may need to be rewritten. (March 2016) |
 | This article possibly contains original research. (March 2016) |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2011) |
Rah[1] is a pejorative term referring to a stereotypical affluent young upper class or upper-middle class person (male or female) in the United Kingdom. The characteristics of a rah are similar to those of the Sloane Ranger stereotype also recognised in the UK, though a rah is generally younger, typically around university age (18–25). An important feature of the rah stereotype is the enjoyment of an affluent/party lifestyle with excessive financial assistance from their parents.
The term is possibly an onomatopoeic reference to how those fitting the stereotype are perceived to talk, with the word 'rah' being associated with upper-middle class affluence since at least the early 1980s.[2]
Characteristics of the stereotype
Rahs stereotypically study at prestigious institutions such as Russell Group universities, having previously attended a private boarding or day school, or sometimes a grammar school or faith school in an affluent area. Another stereotype is that rahs have taken a gap year, usually in Africa, South America, or South East Asia.
Certain clothing is often associated with rahs; mid-market names such as Jack Wills are common. For girls, pashminas, jodhpurs, Ugg boots and cable-knit jumpers combined with scruffy hair arranged in a bun or drastic side partings are common. Boys are stereotyped with chinos, board shorts, boat shoes, and sports team clothing. Gilets, quilted jackets, jogging bottoms, sunglasses, and flip-flops are common for both sexes. In colder seasons, country attire and outdoor wear is popular, especially brands such as Hunter Boot and J. Barbour & Sons.
Rugby union is popular for male rahs. Other sports such as skiing, sailing, rowing, cricket, tennis, Rugby and Eton Fives, canoeing, fencing, lacrosse, polo, shooting and yachting are also popular.
In popular culture
- The Gap Yah sketch, by The Unexpected Items, features a typical rah.
- Made in Chelsea
See also
References
- ^ Tom Meltzer (2010-03-28). "The gap-year video spoof that went viral | Technology". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2013-09-29.
- ^ "The Young Ones (episode 1 series 2) Bambi part 2". YouTube. Retrieved 2013-09-29.
- 2000s fashion
- 2010s fashion
- 2000s slang
- 2010s slang
- Academic culture
- Age-related stereotypes
- British slang
- Fashion aesthetics
- Pejorative terms for people
- Social class subcultures
- Social groups
- Stereotypes
- Youth culture in the United Kingdom
- Social class in the United Kingdom
- Middle class culture
- Upper class culture