Bohemian
- of or relating to Bohemia, its people, or their language.
- (usually lowercase) pertaining to or characteristic of the unconventional life of a bohemian.
- living a wandering or vagabond life, as a Gypsy.
Origin of Bohemian
Examples from the Web for bohemian
Contemporary Examples
These bohemian joints were so uncompromising that they reminded Moss “you needed chutzpah to live in New York,” he says.
The End of New York: How One Blog Tracks the Disappearance of a Vibrant CityTim Teeman
August 6, 2014
To honor the occasion, DVF presented a collection—or rather, a party—that was dubbed “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Fashion’s Most Powerful Women: Victoria Beckham & Diane von Furstenberg Show at New York Fashion WeekErin Cunningham
February 10, 2014
Will we see more of Jessa's bohemian style and no pants for Hannah?
After World War II, the Village went through an enormous renaissance as the bohemian beatnik art place.
She became a professional sculptor and hung around with all sorts of famous Bohemian artists and writers.
Historical Examples
Rather with regret it was I found her to be a Mrs. Kenner, the leader of the Bohemian set.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
He had been asked to meet the Bohemian set at a Dutch supper and had gone.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
The Bohemian set, such as are possible, will be bound to come over to us.
Ruggles of Red GapHarry Leon Wilson
Well, then, if the Austrians may not be touched, what say you to a Bohemian!
Vivian GreyEarl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
In one corner was a donkey tied up, belonging to the Bohemian.
Vivian GreyEarl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli
Bohemian
- a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, esp of the old kingdom of Bohemia; a Czech
- (often not capital) a person, esp an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional life
- the Czech language
- of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia, its people, or their language
- unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc
Word Origin and History for bohemian
n.
"a gypsy of society," 1848, from French bohemién (1550s), from the country name (see Bohemia). The modern sense is perhaps from the use of this country name since 15c. in French for "gypsy" (they were wrongly believed to have come from there, though their first appearance in Western Europe may have been directly from there), or from association with 15c. Bohemian heretics. It was popularized by Henri Murger's 1845 story collection "Scenes de la Vie de Boheme," the basis of Puccini's "La Bohème." Used in English 1848 in Thackary's "Vanity Fair."
The term 'Bohemian' has come to be very commonly accepted in our day as the description of a certain kind of literary gipsey, no matter in what language he speaks, or what city he inhabits .... A Bohemian is simply an artist or littérateur who, consciously or unconsciously, secedes from conventionality in life and in art. ["Westminster Review," 1862]
bohemian
A descriptive term for a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. According to the stereotype (see also stereotype), bohemians live in material poverty because they prefer their art or their learning to lesser goods; they are also unconventional in habits and dress, and sometimes in morals.