Now people think that being antisocial and aloof is “cool�
The term “cool,” used in the sense of being socially desirable, calm, or fashionable, has an interesting evolution from its literal meaning of temperature to its modern slang usage. Here’s how it developed:
Etymology and Early Meaning:
The word “cool” comes from Old English col, meaning “moderately cold,” and has Germanic roots (Old High German kuoli). Its primary meaning referred to temperature, describing something neither hot nor warm but pleasantly cold.
Early Figurative Use (Pre-20th Century):
Even as early as the 14th century, “cool” began to be used metaphorically to describe emotional restraint or calmness. For example, people would describe someone who was “cool-headed” as being calm, composed, and unemotional. By the 17th century, “cool” could also describe someone emotionally detached or aloof, especially in situations that would typically provoke a reaction.
The Jazz Era (1930s–1940s):
The slang usage of “cool” as we understand it today began to develop in the early 20th century, particularly in African American communities. It was popularized in jazz culture in the 1940s, where “cool” came to signify a relaxed, composed demeanor. Musicians, especially in the bebop and later cool jazz movements, embodied this quality—remaining outwardly calm and unflustered, even while performing complex, fast-paced music. Jazz musicians like Lester Young are often credited with helping to spread this usage of “cool” as a sign of self-possession and understated confidence.
1950s and Beat Generation:
The term “cool” gained wider cultural significance in the 1950s, during which it became a core value of the burgeoning youth culture and the Beat Generation. Figures like Jack Kerouac and James Dean embodied the “cool” attitude: rebellious, disaffected, and anti-establishment, yet effortlessly confident and self-controlled. The idea of “cool” came to represent not only fashion or style but a way of being that rejected mainstream norms and embraced individualism.
1960s Counterculture:
In the 1960s, “cool” was further amplified by the counterculture movement, where it came to describe not just an attitude but a whole lifestyle. Being “cool” meant being aligned with progressive values, rejecting conformity, and embracing freedom, creativity, and experimentation. It also came to be associated with anti-authoritarianism, as the “cool” person was seen as someone who didn’t follow society’s rules and expectations.
1970s–1990s: Mainstream Popularity:
By the 1970s, “cool” was firmly established in mainstream American English, and it began to spread globally. In this period, the term expanded beyond its original countercultural associations and came to describe anything or anyone considered stylish, desirable, or trendy. It was used to describe not just people, but also objects, ideas, music, and fashion.
Modern Usage:
Today, “cool” remains one of the most widely recognized and used slang terms in English, though its meaning can vary depending on context. It continues to convey the idea of something fashionable or impressive, but it can also describe a calm or collected demeanor in stressful situations. The term has remained remarkably resilient, adapting to different generations and subcultures while retaining its core idea of effortless appeal and desirability.
Summary:
- Origin: Old English col (meaning moderately cold).
- Early Figurative Use: Describing emotional restraint and calmness.
- Jazz Era: Popularized in African American jazz culture to describe a calm, confident attitude.
- 1950s–1960s: Became a symbol of rebellion and individuality, popularized by the Beat Generation and counterculture movements.
- Modern Usage: Broadly applied to describe anything socially desirable, stylish, or impressive, as well as calmness and composure.
The evolution of “cool” from a word about temperature to a defining trait of social approval shows how language can shift dramatically over time, reflecting changes in cultural values and attitudes.