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.

---

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

See Examples For:

radical chic

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

He developed a serious case of radical chic.

From New York Times ● Oct. 27, 2014

At the interface of liberal counter-culture, radical chic and ordinary community life, the Mangrove was by no means a dangerous drugs den, yet the Notting Dale constabulary seemed determined to close it down.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 26, 2010