For some reason I recently wanted to know where the word "preppy" came from. I know it's "a thing", but what about it's history? After reading a bit, I'm sure you'll have learned some things you may have not already knew...
Here is the Wikipedia definition: "Preppy or prep (all abbreviations of the word
preparatory) refer to a subculture in the United States associated with the old
private Northeastern university-preparatory schools." If that confuses you
(like most Wikipedia definitions do to me), here's the definition a little
simpler. "The word 'Prep' or 'Preppy' refers to a smaller culture in the
United States that is connected to older Northern schools or
"prepatories"." It is said that characteristics of preps in the
past, include a particular speech vocabulary, way of dressing, and certain
manners (etiquette) that would be reflective of an upper-class life-style.
Believe it or not, the idea of "preps" are
connected to some of the first schools
that encouraged proper literacy and manners. Some of these first
"prepatories" were opened during times with the American Nation was
going through many bad conflicts as a way to let younger children have a
"proper" upbringing. So even though (i'm assuming) most of us do not
think school is the "most fun" place on earth, we can be thankful for
the fact that it encouraged our style of who we are today!
So after doing some research, I found that there actually
wasn't a lot of information on the web that told us about the history of preps.
It was surprising, but at the same time somewhat expected. What I did find
though, surprised me! I hope you felt the same way and enjoyed learning a
little fun fact of the day!
xx,
~ Hannah
