Preppy
Meaning: A style associated with East Coast prep schools — polo shirts, khakis, boat shoes, and a polished, collegiate look.
Preppy describes both a fashion style and a cultural aesthetic rooted in upper-class East Coast American culture. Think country clubs, Ivy League schools, and brands like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers. Preppy fashion emphasizes clean lines, classic colors (navy, white, pastels), and an effortlessly wealthy appearance.
Examples
- He dresses super preppy — button-downs, boat shoes, and a sweater tied around his shoulders. 他穿得超级学院风——扣领衬衫、帆船鞋,肩上还搭了件毛衣。Viste súper preppy: camisas de botones, náuticos y un jersey atado al cuello.彼の服装は超プレッピーだ——ボタンダウンシャツにデッキシューズ、肩にセーターを巻いてる。그의 옷차림은 완전 프레피야 — 버튼다운 셔츠에 보트 슈즈, 어깨에 스웨터를 걸치고.
- The preppy look is back in style this season. 这一季学院风又回来了。El estilo preppy ha vuelto a estar de moda esta temporada.今シーズンはプレッピーな装いがまた流行っている。이번 시즌 프레피 스타일이 다시 유행하고 있다.
- She went from grunge to preppy in college — total style transformation. 她在大学从朋克风变成了学院风——穿搭风格完全大变样。Pasó del grunge al preppy en la universidad: una transformación de estilo total.彼女は大学でグランジからプレッピーに一変した——まるで別人のようなスタイルチェンジだ。그녀는 대학에 가서 그런지에서 프레피로 완전히 바뀌었다 — 완전한 스타일 변신이었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: fashion, style descriptions, casual conversation
Tone: descriptive, sometimes teasing
✓ Do Say
- That's a preppy look.这是学院风。Eso es un look muy preppy.それはプレッピーな装いだね。완전 프레피 스타일이네.
- He's got preppy style.他是学院派穿搭。Tiene estilo preppy.彼はプレッピーなスタイルだ。그 사람 프레피한 스타일이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Can carry class connotations — implying someone is preppy might suggest privilege or snobbery可能带有阶级暗示——说某人很preppy可能暗示他们有优越感或势利Puede tener connotaciones de clase: insinuar que alguien es preppy puede sugerir privilegio o esnobismo階級的なニュアンスを含むことがある——プレッピーと言うと特権階級やスノッブさを暗示する場合がある계층적 뉘앙스가 있을 수 있다 — 프레피하다고 하면 특권층이나 속물근성을 암시할 수 있다
Origin & History
From 'prep school,' the private preparatory schools of New England. 'The Official Preppy Handbook' (1980) by Lisa Birnbach defined and satirized the style. The preppy aesthetic represents old-money American fashion.
Cultural Context
Era: 1950s onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Upper-middle to upper class
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