CAMP: "A cornucopia of frivolity, incongruity, theatricality, and humour." "A deadly, winking, sniggering, snuggling, chromium-plated, scent-impregnated, luminous, quivering, giggling, fruit-flavored, mincing, ice-covered heap of mother love." "The lie that tells the truth." "Ostentatious, exaggerated, affected, theatrical; effeminate or homosexual; pertaining to or characteristic of homosexuals."
| Chic is: | Chic is not: |
| An evening dress with long sleeves. A gay dinner hat. A man’s black umbrella when it rains. An accessory that matches your hair. A trademark too ingenious to be corny. Flexibility in appearance and attitude. English, beautifully spoken. Beautifully matched lingerie. Perfumed fans. The absence of a summer tan. The arts, appreciated. A bad habit, a stale passion, discarded. Taupe. Acting your age. | Diamonds at breakfast. More than three colours in an ensemble. White shoes, daytime. Plastic shoes, anytime. Being seen in curlers in public. The contrived. Ostentation. Sloppy grooming. Sleeveless dresses on overweight women. Tight pants on anyone. A strident voice. A fad that everyone’s adopted. Playing it safe. An aggressive manner. |
