bon ton
- noun
- /bɒ̃ tɒ̃/
- Formal
:
bon ton
- The bon ton of Paris always sets the latest trends.
Examples
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She longed for an invitation into the world of the bon ton.
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In Regency England, the bon ton set the standards for fashion and etiquette.
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The party was attended by members of the bon ton from all over the city.
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She aspires to be part of the bon ton in New York.
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The wealthy couple was always seen mingling with the bon ton at exclusive charity events.
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Last night, the gala drew members of the bon ton, all dressed in their finest attire.
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The art exhibit was a favorite gathering spot for the city's bon ton who appreciated the latest trends.
Synonyms
111
5.8
Rich, fashionable people with social influence
9
4.2
A group of rich, fashionable people with social influence
4
8.6
Famous stylish people who go to glamorous events
1
6.8
A group of rich fashionable people who often travel for pleasure
1
9.9
People who are wealthy and fashionable and attend fancy parties and important social events
1
8.2
A group of fashionable people in high society
People who are very stylish and set new fashion trends
How Fashionable
Surface Forms
Morphology
bon + ton
This is a French loan literally meaning 'good tone' — if a learner knows the constituents' meanings in French ('bon' = good, 'ton' = tone) they can partially infer a sense of refined manners or tasteful conduct, but the conventionalised English meaning 'the fashionable elite' is a further, culture-specific extension. Because the phrase is foreign-origin and its social-group meaning is not strictly predictable from the literal words, it is only partially transparent to learners.
Etymology
Bon ton comes from French words bon (meaning 'good') and ton (meaning 'tone' or 'manner'). It described the correct style and polite behavior of rich, fashionable people, so it now means 'the fashionable elite'.