The term “bluestocking” describes an educated woman, possibly wealthy, and was most commonly used during the 18th century alongside the Blue Stocking Society. The origin of the term is disputed, but it may have come from the informal blue wool stockings worn by Benjamin Stillingfleet. The term can have negative connotations, but it is not commonly used today. Some businesses may use it to convey a female-centered clientele.
“Bluestocking” is an expression used to describe an educated and intellectual woman. Some historians believe the expression was most commonly used during the 18th century, alongside the organization of the Blue Stocking Society, an English society of women and men which encouraged academic thought and conversation. Other historians dispute this theory of the foundation of the expression, arguing that its origin can be traced back as far as the 15th century and to other areas of the world such as France and Scotland. While “bluestocking” typically described a woman with some degree of wealth, education, and accomplishment, the expression wasn’t always flattering. There are other uses for the expression, and people today rarely use it as a way to describe a woman.
Similar to many sayings, the expression “bluestocking” can probably trace its roots back to a more literal meaning. One popular theory involves Benjamin Stillingfleet, a male editor and translator who was not wealthy enough to afford the black silk stockings worn as formal wear during the time period. At meetings of the Blue Stocking Society, he wore the most informal blue wool stockings of the day. Thus, the expression “bluestocking” has come to describe the informal atmosphere of the gatherings, as well as the emphasis on the participants’ intellectual conversation about fashion. Other lesser known theories of the origin of the expression are mostly related to the fashion for blue wool socks during various time periods and in other parts of the world.
Sometimes, describing a woman as a leotard was offensive. Most of the women who were thought to be bluestocking, including those who belonged to the Blue Stocking Society, were wealthier, better educated, and more accomplished than other women of their time. However, there have been instances where the expression has been regarded as having negative connotations. For example, some people have come to think of these women as slovenly. Historians believe these negative connotations were rooted in the prejudices of others.
While the general meaning of the expression is far from lost, “bluestocking” is not a term used regularly these days. Even so, people familiar with the expression’s history might use it to describe an intellectual woman, especially if they are speaking or writing for an audience familiar with the expression. Additionally, some contemporary establishments or businesses, such as bookstores and magazines, may use the phrase or a touch of it to convey a female-centered clientele, environment, service, or product.
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