During The Roaring Twenties, a contemporary was born. She drank, smoked , danced, and voted. She went to petting parties, wore make up, and cut her hair. She was ditzy and took risks. She was a flapper. There are many meanings behind the slang word "flapper". One meaning is describing a young woman, it is sometimes supposed to refer to a young bird flapping its wings while learning to fly. However; it may come from an earlier definition in Northern part of England to mean teenage girl, referring to a girl whose hair is not put up yet and whose pigtail "flapped" on her back, or from an older more offensive word meaning "prostitute".The slang word "flap" was used for a young prostitute as early as 1631. By the 1890s, the word "flapper" was emerging …show more content…
They also wore new, softer and supplier corsets that reached to their hips, smoothing the whole frame, giving the women a straight up and down appearance, as opposed to the old corsets which slenderized the waist and accented the hips and bust. The lack of curves of a corset promoted a boyish look. Adding an even more boyish look, the Symington Side Lacer was invented and became a popular essential as an everyday bra. This type of bra was made to pull in the back to flatten the chest.Other women were jealous of flappers for their flat chests and bought the Symington Side Lacer to enhance the same look; large breasts were commonly regarded as a trait of unsophistication. Hence, flat chests became appealing to women, although these type of bras were common with flappers girls. (Fashion-Era)
Flapper girls wore boyish haircuts, especially the Shingle Bob, Bob Cut, and Eton Crop,. Finger waving was used as a means of styling. Hats were still required wear and popular styles included the Newsboy Cap and Cloche Hat. Jewelry usually consisted of art deco pieces, especially many layers of beaded necklaces. Pins, rings, and pretty brooches came into style. Horn-rimmed glasses were also popular.