By COURTNEY CARR
Staff Writer
—
What does it mean when you call some “basic?” Does it mean that they really like pumpkin spice lattés or does it mean that you want to single them out for being too common?
Before the stereotype of being basic is further explored, the term itself needs to be explained. In recent months, the term has emerged in circles of girls that deem things “too basic.” Basic now serves as a synonym for common or predictable. The term is reserved for people that others view as lacking originality, perhaps to draw attention away from their own conformist comforts. Being basic is essentially saying that a person is a carbon copy of those around them. This is in sharp contrast to the snowflake identity that parents and teachers alike try to instill in children.
With the basic knowledge of the word decrypted, further explanation of the now-popular saying is evident in the examples that squads of girls in Ugg boots enjoy. Examples of things that are perceived as being basic includes yoga pants, Starbucks (especially if it is a seasonal drink), and North Face jackets. Chances are that just by reading those three items you have created an image in your mind of the quintessential “basic girl.” These are the girls that other girls call out for fitting a cookie cutter image. This is because somewhere along the line, this has become the “basic girl” uniform and something that girls either pride themselves on or fiercely try to avoid.
When did this become a war? That question may seem silly at face value, but when did deciding to wear yoga pants open up a discussion as to where or not a person is predictable? Maybe the girl in question was running late, forgot to do her laundry, or was just trying to be comfortable on an exam day.
It is hard to say exactly when wanting to be comfortable became basic, but it has. A lot of the things that “basic people” enjoy could also be categorized as creature comforts. This is supported by the fact that a large portion of what are called examples of basic behavior bring joy and happiness to people’s lives.
What is the difference between pumpkin spice lattes and any other comfort food? Both are edible treats that have fierce followings. One person may turn to macaroni and cheese while the other may turn to anything and everything pumpkin flavored.
Aside from the classic attire and guilty pleasures, another key part of the “basic lifestyle” is a gross abuse of social media. When basic girls take pictures of their new boots in fall leaves they feel inclined to use hashtags like #blessed.
The hashtag is displayed almost like a badge of honor on Twitter and Instagram feeds alike. This is because, when clicked, the thread that is assembled is like no other trending topic. This trending topic is filled with examples from “basic girl” Twitter users that very rarely have to deal with religion.
People that use #blessed have claimed the hashtag as their own. It now stands as a way for people to express their thankfulness for what is around them. Instead of thinking that basic girl that just posted a picture is trying to rub it in non-basic’s face that she has new Sperry boots, it’s possible that the girl is truly acknowledging that she is #blessed and thankful for what she has.
When I was first thinking about writing this article, I will freely admit that I hated the idea of being called basic. To me, being called basic was one of the worst things that a person could toss my way. This is because I had the mindset that being a basic girl was a bad thing. I thought that if I were to admit to enjoying long trips wandering around Target like other basic girls, I would lose a piece of my identity that I pride myself on. What I have begun to think instead is that basic is a term that should not be scoffed at.
Upon reflection, being basic could now be looked at as being synonymous for a person being comfortable with what they like. To that, I say joyfully raise your pumpkin spice drinks in the air and drink to being comfortable with what makes you happy. And hey, if you happen to spill that PSL on your yoga pants, you can always go buy some new ones at Target.
