By Skylar KAN
When does “Bootylicious” become an actual word? How can we prepare for some new words with cultural interaction?
I always wonder about the invention of words. But you don’t necessarily have to be an author or poet to create one! With the help of social media, every time we interact using a new term, we are actually participating in the invention process. How? Our postings and comments on social media increase exposure to the new vocabulary. Once people understand and get used to seeing that word, they will eventually get to use it one day. No matter if it's in daily conversation or on the internet, when more people are contributing using the new term, it becomes a cultural interaction. The new vocabulary will then naturally become part of our daily language.
Bootylicious (adj.)
“Booty” + “Delicious”
Sexually attractive, especially with a curvy body.
In Cambridge Dictionary, “booty” has different meanings. It can mean stolen treasures or money. But the definition of booty here is basically buttocks. So the direct meaning of bootylicious is obvious enough ---- tasty buttocks. I am very curious about how such an obviously obscene word can then be transformed into a positive or even a commendatory term.
I just can’t get over the word without mentioning the song “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child in 2001. Fun fact: the word “bootylicious” was created far before this song. It appeared in music videos, lyrics and even video games, in which “Bootylicious” was actually pejorative. But as a believer of Queen Bey, I am proud of Destiny’s Child for picking this name for their single. I am more than happy to say that their song has such a powerful cultural impact on women’s body image, which changed the cultural meaning of “bootylicious''. The song was to fight back against the reporters calling out Beyonce for her weight gain. Bey showed off her confidence in her own skin and curves in this song.
https://kitodiaries.com/beyonce-was-embarrassed-when-bootylicious-became-a-dictionary-word-and-heres-why/
When it first came out, the song was such a phenomenal hit. The controversy definitely made the term conspicuous through the pop song by some A-list celebrities. The discussion upon the song made the word go viral. It encourages women to be comfortable in their own skin, even with bigger body sizes. I believe this impression of the song changes the underlying meaning of “bootylicious”, from negative to positive. Along with the curvy body trend brought up by the Kardashian Family, “bootylicious” is now transforming into a complimentary word especially in the western culture. I have been seeing a lot of praise for big butts and curves on social media and pop culture. Pop songs like Anaconda by Nicki Minaj and the Kardashian Family, are all encouraging and embracing curvy bodies.
New words give new meaning. The definition is not made or announced by the dictionary editor. It is actually a slow and natural rebuilding process through cultural interaction. Take “bootylicious” as an example. It used to be sexual and negative, but with cultural practices(controversies and discussion of the song), the meaning changed. Words are used to describe human emotions and activities. With cultural evolution, it is inevitable and natural for our society as a whole to collaborate and create new words and give new definitions together.
Let’s create some new jelly together! Tell us your thoughts!
True!!! The big booty thing is phenomenal. I gotta admit I did contribute to that culture too LOL and it's getting uncontrollable now with the BBL on tiktok. SO TOXIC!🤢