Here Come the Eurotrash!

Sure, we are cultured, good-looking and sophisticated. We are also snotty, pathetic, greasy-haired, and over-cologned. Yep, folks, I am talking Eurotrash. If you have ever been to Ibiza, you know what I'm talking about.

Before I get hundreds of responses accusing me of being an ugly American, let me clarify again that I am actually a European. Ugly European, if you like.

I came across Urban Dictionary's list of definitions for Eurotrash. Here are their top three:

1. Post-modern, degenerate, trendy, or out-of-style European cultural phenomena masquerading as avant-garde High Art. Its origins are primarily German/Austrian but have extended to France, Scandinavia, and Italy with success.
2. A certain people and outlook, those who are products of a sneering, overly-socialized culture who take perverse pride in their stylized, postmodern, lazy lifestyles, and those who would choose to emulate this.
3. A human sub-phylum characterized by its apparent affluence, worldliness, social affectation and addiction to fashion. Males are characterized by a semi-slovenly appearance (including half-shaven faces), greasy hair, rib-hugging shirts, tight jeans and loafers worn without socks. Women are easily distinguished by anorexia, over-bleached hair, gaudy jewelry, plastic surgery (particularly breast-enlargement) and their attachment to the male species. Both sexes greet each other with "air kisses," immediately speak of their last trip (often Paris, Rome, Majorca), spend hours at "see-and-be-seen" restaurants and exhibit a world-weariness and pained sense of irony.

There are more.

If you are still puzzled, think the Beckhams, who have just recently successfully transitioned from Eurotrash to Calitrash.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe