radical chic

American  

[rad-i-kuhl sheek] / ˈræd ɪ kəl ˈʃik /

noun

1. the patronage of extremists or left-wing radicals by rich or famous people, as through invitations to social functions or public expressions of support.

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Other Word Forms

• radical-chic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of radical chic

Coined in 1970 by Tom Wolfe (1931–2018), American journalist, in an essay “Radical Chic: That Party at Lenny's”

Example Sentences

In Hollywood these days, radical chic is back in fashion.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

But he warned that attitudes among the global population - including those he has in the past called "radical chic environmentalists" - would have to change.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2021

He coined so many terms that are now part of the language: social X-rays, masters of the universe, radical chic, the right stuff, the Me Decade.

From Washington Post • May 15, 2018

This might all sound a bit backward looking: not so much radical chic as reactionary chic.

From Economist • May 15, 2018

Break it open and an overpowering and unwholesome fume of radical chic and 1968-ness rises from it: fascinating, infuriating.

From The Guardian • Apr. 30, 2018