Harry (derogatory term)

Harry is a Norwegian derogatory term used in slang, derived from the English name Harry.cite web | url=http://www.dokpro.uio.no/perl/ordboksoek/ordbok.cgi?OPP=harry&bokmaal=S%F8k+i+Bokm%E5lsordboka&ordbok=bokmaal&alfabet=n&renset=j |title=Norwegian official dictionary about "harry" |language=Norwegian] The best English translation may be "cheesy" or "shabby".

The term "harry" was first used by upper class youth in Oslo in the beginning of the 20th century, and was used to describe people who belonged to the working class. People in the lower social classes at the time often gave their children English first names such as Harry.

A person who is "harry" is often perceived as unsophisticated, vulgar or with bad taste. [cite web |url=http://ordnett.no/ordbok.html?search=harry&search_type=&publications=23 |title=Entry on "Harry" |publisher=Kunnskapsforlaget|language=Norwegian] The effect of bad taste is often characterized with the term "harry", e.g. a "harry" dress or a "harry" car. Since the definition of good and bad taste is defined by fashion, there is no precise definition of "harry". D.D.E.s Sputnik, shopping in Sweden, Raggare culture and mullets are often mentioned today. In the 1970s it was the 1960s' hairwax or sharp shoes that were harry. In the 1980s the 1970s' flared pants or whiskers, and in the 1990s more or less everything that could be associated with the 1980s. Yesterday's fashion will often be interpreted as harry. Often what is harry in one period can be hip retro fashion the next year.

Harry may also be interpreted as something like macho. The feminine parallel is "doris".

References

Literature

* Kalvø, Are: "Harry". Det Norske Samlaget. ISBN 82-521-5419-0

Notes