Being Classy? Maybe! Maybe Not!
We nowadays often hear people using the word ‘classy’ in many of their conversations. It has probably become one of the most prolifically used adjectives in modern urban society. Sometimes it becomes necessary to not only examine the roots of such terms and phrases but also to seek how society has evolved to adopt them to describe what is so ostensibly true.
Although the word has several implied connotations, it typically refers to someone who is ‘stylish and sophisticated’ as the Oxford dictionary would have us believe. Classy has become the go-to word amongst many cocktail party circles for describing anyone with the panache, wealth and it is even used sometimes to portray people who are actually full of hubris. It is relevant to note that the word classy not only refers to a person’s current state of affairs in terms of socio-economic prowess but also makes inferences about their pedigree and upbringing. The unfortunate part of this dramatic word is that it often carries the burden of qualifying one’s personal character. People often use the word to insinuate that a particular he or she might be of lesser moral values by simply saying ‘oh he’s not a very classy person’ or might even elevate a person to dizzy heights of society by saying the very opposite. Hence the cause for action arises to determine what this word actually implies and if the convention of using it holds any merit.
Does the word ‘classy’ describe the ‘what’ a person does or does it describe the ‘how’ the person does it? It’s a bit of both as the following example would lead us to believe. One would consider the Indian saaree a very classy attire for women. But it is a garment worn commonly by laborers, peasants, politicians and even the patricians. So which one would qualify as more classy than the other? One will obviously rely on various other parameters to derive that conclusion. In most probability, the ability to look sophisticated, elegant or generally of high rank and status would prevail over the one’s that do not. Hence one would be safe to remark that a aristocratic lady would probably be considered more classy than a working laborer lady simple because of the manner in which she carries herself.
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The word classy tends to obfuscate one’s ability to draw first impressions of others because of its vague nature. Hence the following attempt to synthesize the parameters, which can actually help qualify a classy person. Being born into a wealthy family with impeccable upbringing and manners would certainly help for starters. This is obviously notwithstanding the somewhat petulant offspring of the old moneyed! Unfortunately we cannot choose the families we are born into, hence other methods must be adopted to bring on the ever necessary garb of classiness. Education and a general sense of being worldly wise obviously hold one in good stead. This leads to one’s ability to have better conversational skills and certainly enjoy more social acceptability, albeit amidst a very niche group of likeminded people. Qualities like a strong value system, a great sense of dressing, being well groomed, having strong convictions in one’s beliefs yet portraying humility all tantamount to enhancing one’s class. Taking a position on an issue that you believe in is important, but, being tactful enough to steer clear of an impending controversy is also an important aspect that sets the Men apart from the Boys. But nothing can beat a man with a quiet sense of humour. The sheer ability to make others laugh and more importantly to be able to laugh at oneself . Such people emanate strong positive vibes and it enhances their overall personality. Combine this with professional success, good looks, dapper dress sense, empathy for others and a robust conversational ability and you have your modern day version of being CLASSY!
It’s a long way for some to become classy, some might already be there, but who says everyone wants to get there? And for those who do, well, Rome wasn’t built in a day either!
