PhrasesHub

Cool Britannia

    Definitions

      • patriotic pride
        Referring to the sense of pride and unity among the British people, often in relation to their country's cultural and political influence on the world stage.

      • modern and trendy
        Describing something that is considered fashionable, contemporary, or cutting-edge, particularly in regards to British culture and style.

    Examples of Cool Britannia

    • The Beatles and Madonna can be considered as the symbols of Cool Britannia. They brought a wave of cultural revolution. So, we can say that the cultural industry of UK was cooler than ever before. In this way, we can say that the influence of the UK on the global cultural sphere was as cool and amazing as the legendary queen.

      Cool Britannia is an idiom used to describe the cultural, artistic, and fashionable trends in the UK during the 1990s, especially after the British government celebrated its millennium with a remarkable event. During that time, the UK was also witnessing an upsurge in the popularity of music, fashion, and arts. The emergence of iconic personalities like The Beatles and Madonna contributed more to this phenomenon. So, we can say that the Cool Britain was a time when the UK was super cool and famous across the globe.

    • Many Londoners still remember the legacy of Cool Britain. They often visit places where iconic songs of the Beatles and Madonna were recorded, held events, or performed live. They still follow the fashion and lifestyle inspired by the trendsetters of the era. So, we can say that the Cool Britain is still alive, cooler, and more vibrant than before.

      The use of Cool Britannia as an idiom in this context reminds us of the glorious past and the remarkable achievements of the time. It is a common way to describe the cultural, artistic, and fashionable trends popular in the UK during the 1990s. The idiom can be used in different parts of the sentence. For example, we can say that the era when the UK was Cool Britannia left an indelible mark on the global cultural scene. We can also say that the UK was as cool as ever during the Cool Britannia frenzy.

    • Cool Britannia brought about a revolution in the UK's cultural, artistic, and fashionable trends. It left an impact on the UK's economy as well. The emergence of iconic brands and retail outlets in London was a direct result of this phenomenon. The cultural industry also witnessed a boom, which benefited many young and talented Britons.

      This idiom can be used in different contexts to describe any cultural, artistic, or fashionable trend that brings about a transformation in a particular region, country, or society. It is a metaphorical expression that is widely used in English literature, media, and everyday conversation. The use of this idiom adds color and flavor to the language, making it more interesting and expressive. It is a great way to describe a cultural, artistic, or fashionable trend that amazes and astounds the observers.

    • The UK will soon become Cool Britannia again, thanks to the emergence of new talent and the government's efforts to promote the country's cultural, artistic, and fashionable traditions. Many young Britons are already making their mark on the global cultural scene, which is a great sign for the future. So, we can expect Cool Britannia to make a grand comeback soon.

      The use of Cool Britannia as an idiom here is a statement of hope and optimism. It indicates that the UK is heading towards a new phase of cultural, artistic, and fashionable renaissance. It is a great way to describe any cultural, artistic, or fashionable trend that has the potential to transform a particular region, country, or society. The use of this idiom adds color and flavor to the language, making it more interesting and expressive. It is a testament to the fact that the UK has always been a hotbed of creativity, innovation, and self-expression, and will continue to be so in the future as well.Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

    • The launch of the new British music festival can be called Cool Britannia as it's going to encompass the best of British music industry.

      The phrase "Cool Britannia" is used to describe something that represents the best of British culture, especially in the realm of music, art, and fashion. It's a modern-day take on the traditional patriotic sentiment of "God Save the Queen" that resonates with young people far more appealingly. The use of "Cool Britannia" in this example is justified because the upcoming music festival is an embodiment of all that's cool and trendy in the contemporary British music industry.

    • During her TED Talk, the famous British journalist and author spoke about how the rise of the internet and social media has transformed the British media landscape, which is now Cool Britannia in some ways.

      In this example, Cool Britannia is being used as a metaphor to describe the modern-day state of British media. The traditional notion of British media as the torchbearer for traditional values and ideals has taken a radical turn in recent years, thanks to the advent of social media. The phrase, therefore, suggests that the British media landscape is hip, trendy, and contemporary, in contrast to the classic image of the stuffy and conservative British establishment.

    • After winning the Grammy Awards last year, the British band received Cool Britannia status in the global music community.

      In this example, Cool Britannia is being used to describe the global recognition that the British band has received in the music industry. The phrase is highly suggestive of the band's immense popularity and appeal, making it a cool and happening name in the global music scene.

    • The British fashion industry has gone through a Cool Britannia phase in recent years, with young designers experimenting with bold new ideas and pushing the boundaries of tradition.

      In this example, the phrase Cool Britannia is being used to describe the current state of the British fashion industry. The use of the phrase is justified as the industry has witnessed a radical transformation in recent times, moving from its traditional values and aesthetics and embracing a more experimental and avant-garde style. The use of the phrase Cool Britannia reflects the fact that the industry is now at the forefront of global fashion trends, setting new benchmarks for innovation and creativity.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Cool Britannia" has two main meanings. The first is associated with patriotic pride and a sense of unity among the British people. It reflects the positive and confident image of Britain during the late 1990s, when the country was experiencing a period of economic growth and cultural innovation. The phrase was often used in a celebratory manner, highlighting the country's cultural and political influence on the global stage.

    The second meaning of "Cool Britannia" is more focused on modernity and trendiness. It refers to the idea that British culture and style are at the forefront of current trends and movements. This can include fashion, music, art, and other aspects of popular culture. In this context, the idiom is often used to describe something as cool, hip, or edgy, with a distinctly British flair.

    Origin of "Cool Britannia"

    The origins of the idiom "Cool Britannia" can be traced back to the 1960s, when the term "Swinging London" was used to describe the vibrant and creative atmosphere of the city. However, it wasn't until the late 1990s that the phrase "Cool Britannia" gained widespread popularity.

    During this time, Britain was experiencing a cultural resurgence, with the rise of Britpop music, fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, and films such as "Trainspotting" and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels." The phrase "Cool Britannia" was coined by the British media to capture this sense of national pride and modernity.

    However, the term also drew criticism for being overly commercial and superficial, with some arguing that it was a marketing ploy rather than a genuine reflection of British culture. Regardless of its origins, "Cool Britannia" remains a popular and recognizable idiom, symbolizing both patriotic pride and modernity in British society.