Macaronic

SallenNic

Message 35520 · 12 Jun 2003 00:43:35 · Fixed-width font · Whole thread

In a message dated 11/6/03 8:26:07 pm, xxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xxx writes:

<< I believe the term Macaroni was given to some of the more extreme
Dandys in Regency London. The Italian high fashion then, as it can
be now, was completely OTT and involved men over-powdering their
faces, placing large patches on their faces, wearing extravagant
wigs, carrying long be-ribboned canes, and large buttons up to six
inches in diameter.
Anyone confirm this? >>

Correct. The fashion lasted only about a couple of years from 1798 to 1800,
but was pretty extreme while it lasted, with gents wigs having such a large
"queu" (macaronic? :-)) that it had to be contained in a bag. They are seen as
deriving from the "incroyables" in France just after the French Revolution.
Nicolas B., Lanark, Scotland
<A HREF="http://www.nicolasbroadbridge.com">http://www.nicolasbroadbridge.com
</A>