Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[keira]

Hi teachers

"Queen of bling" or "queen of bling bling" seems to be used as a fixed expression. What does it usually mean?
It's used like, e.g. "Brandy is the new Queen of Bling", "Hot 2002
album from the Queen of Bling Bling" etc.

thank you in advance.
keira

[acadman]

Hi Keira,
The term "bling" or "bling bling" is a word that originated in the early 1990s in American rap music. It was then commonly used in rap music songs, and in the rap music world. It refers to the effect of light shining off expensive jewellery, and to refer to the excessive jewellery worn by some rappers then. The term is considered unfashionable now.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Bruce Sommerville
English Tuition On-Line
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/acadman/

[Yavanna]

Hi Keira,
Just to add on to what "acadman" says, I think that Jennifer Lopez is widely credited with popularizing "bling" and if you look at fashion magazines, you will see that "bling" is used to refer to really sparkly jewelery; ie. a big diamond ring has a huge "bling factor." I have heard people say, "She's wearing a lot of bling."

A "Queen of Bling" therefore might refer specifically to JLo, or possibly to a person, male or female, who wears a lot of shiny stuff. "That's a lot of bling" could be take sincerely or sarcastically depending on the person making the utterance.

Hope this helps! From a girl who likes a little bling every now and then.