Who are the blue stockings? Where did the expression "blue stocking" come from?

T. Rowlandson. Lady Caricature *Bluestocking* | Photo: convolut.ru

Nowadays, the nickname "bluestocking" is most often awarded to old maids who sacrificed their personal lives for the sake of a career or science, although such an interpretation of this phrase has nothing to do with the original meaning. Phraseologism appeared in England in the 18th century, and those who were called "blue stockings" not only were not upset about this, but had every reason to be proud of their title. In addition, men were the first to receive such nicknames.

*Blue stockings* appeared in England | Photo: stuffpoint.com

The expression "blue stocking" (bluestocking) was first recorded in 1756 in England, in the correspondence of Elizabeth Montagu and Elizabeth Vesey - members of a circle of intellectuals who met to talk about art and science. The soul of the society that gathered in the 1750-1760s. in the salon of Elizabeth Montagu, there was the scientist Benjamin Stillingfleet, who neglected fashion: etiquette prescribed to wear silk white or black stockings, and he wore blue woolen ones. And in their correspondence, women so called the male intellectuals with whom they communicated in this circle. They also used the phrases "bluestocking doctrine", "bluestocking philosophy" to denote their special philosophy "as a remedy against the rough world of politics".

A typical modern concept of the *blue stocking* | Photo: subscribe.ru

D. Boswell explains the appearance of the expression “blue stocking” in this way: “Stillingfleet was such an excellent conversationalist that his absence was perceived as a great loss, and we used to say: “We cannot do without blue stockings,” and so little by little this name took root ". And later, “bluestockings” began to be called the rest of the circle members and all those men and women who preferred intellectual discussions and philosophical conversations to ordinary entertainment like playing cards.

R. Samuel. Portraits of the Muses in the Temple of Apollo, 1778. This fragment of the painting depicts members of the *Bluestocking* circle | Photo: liberallifestyles.com

For England of that era, such salons were an absolute innovation - before the discussion of serious issues was the prerogative of men in clubs, coffee houses and pastry shops. In the salons with the ladies, no one conducted such dialogues - it was considered indecent. However, over time, there were more and more women in society who were interested in art and engaged in literary creativity and translations.

Elizabeth Montagu | Photo: quotationof.com

Over time, the title of "blue stocking" began to be perceived as a very honorary one, and its presence testified to belonging to the intellectual elite. Gradually, a new ideal of an English lady is being formed in society - intellectually developed and spiritually independent. The traditional role of the resigned and obedient wife was ridiculed and condemned. So, Lady Montagu ironically wrote about the main rule of such marriages: “Kiss me and be silent!”.

Hanna More | Photo: russian-birmingham.co.uk

One of the members of the "blue stockings" circle was Hannah More, whose fate was not at all typical for women of that era. At 22, she met a wealthy gentleman 20 years her senior. He proposed to her, but for some reason the marriage never took place. But the man appointed Hannah the content, thanks to which she could live comfortably in her own pleasure. Then she went to London, where she became a member of a circle of intellectuals called Bluestocking. Hanna More opened several schools for the poor and devoted her life to teaching children and writing. She never got married.

T. Rowlandson. Caricature *Brawl at the Bluestocking Club*, 1815 | Photo: honisoit.com

However, by 1800, the Bluestocking circle disintegrated, and society's attitude towards educated women changed. Byron in 1820 uses this expression in a disparaging sense in relation to Lady Montagu's salon. Following him, men begin to ridicule women who prefer intellectual pursuits to family life. In the 19th century many anecdotes and caricatures appeared that condemned women who were passionate about creativity, science or social activities. One of the common jokes was: "Many women become blue stockings, because no one is interested in the color of their garters."

*Blue stocking*. Photo by E. Zemtsov | Photo: photographers.ua

Surprisingly, where this phraseologism originated, it has not been used for a long time, but in our country the expression "blue stocking" is very common and well known to everyone. In one of his stories, A. Chekhov wrote: “What good is it to be a blue stocking. Blue stocking... God knows what! Not a woman and not a man, and so the middle half, neither this nor that.

Katya Pushkareva is the embodiment of common stereotypes about *blue stockings* | Photo: fresher.ru

The original meaning of phraseologism has changed under the influence of society's reaction to the emancipe movement. Therefore, the expression "blue stocking" acquired an ironic, and then offensive sound. In the twentieth century The situation has not changed

There is a kind of women who, looking at them, gives the impression that they are touchy. Therefore, many men consider it best not to take risks and do not seek to get acquainted with such. Indeed, in courting such individuals of the opposite sex, they do not see any comforting prospects. Yes, and they consider such personalities, rather, as a blue stocking, but certainly not as an object of femininity.

Let's try to figure out which women are called such a stable expression, what is the history of the origin of the phraseologism "blue stocking" and what needs to be done in order not to be awarded such a title.

Phraseologism "blue stocking". History of occurrence

It is generally accepted that the expression "blue stocking" originated in 1760 in the UK in the salon of the writer Montagu. One version says that the most active person in this community was one translator, botanist - scientist, writer Stillingfleet. Instead of black silk stockings, the wearing of which was implied by etiquette, he wore blue woolen stockings. In the event that he missed a salon session, the audience said that they could not start without a “blue stocking”. That is, the man was the first to receive such a “title”. Later, they began to be called representatives of the weaker sex, who were only interested in science and literature, who did not consider it necessary to take care or create a family, etc. Soon, the society began to be ironically referred to as the “Blue Stocking Society”.

This expression came to Russia from France.

So, in Paris, in the 17th century, there were salons in which it was women who played the main role. They coined the term "learned women". Anna More, who was a member of the British Bluestocking Society, in one of her ironic poems, argued that the French name was born as a result of an incorrect and too literal translation of the English word "bluestocking".

In one of Chekhov's works, one can find such a characteristic of individuals called "blue stockings":

“What good is it to be a bluestocking. Blue stocking... God knows what! Not a woman and not a man, and so the middle half, neither this nor that.

Woman - "blue stocking"

It will not be superfluous to decide which women are called that.

So, outwardly, such people manifest themselves in the severity and modesty of appearance: the absence of jewelry, cosmetics, lush hairstyles, the classic style of clothing, that is, nothing superfluous in the external image. By their nature, such women are rather grouchy, they can often be found in a dull mood, sad, irritable. If the “blue stocking” has heard something about flirting, female tricks, coquetry, then in her life she refuses to use this for any reason.

Such women are ready to give all of themselves to their beloved work, to work tirelessly, which means "blue stocking" has positive qualities that can be appreciated.

Oddly enough, but a man can fall in love with such an unusual, peculiar woman. Usually, the "blue stocking" is attractive to a calm, mature, accomplished representative of the strong half of humanity. First of all, he appreciates the depth of the inner world, the intellectual abilities of such women and finds the keys to the heart of a woman with such a complex character.

Bluestocking women prefer to spend most of their of his time in museums and libraries. If she is busy developing her own business, she often stays late at work. Subordinates can only guess about the personal life of this person, and some even guessed about its absence.

How not to be a bluestocking?

If you understand that you lack femininity, self-confidence, then one of the ways not to be a bluestocking is to repeat self-confidence affirmations. Or, strive to develop your communication skills both with the opposite sex and with people in general. Try to look feminine, watch your gestures, behavior, gait.

So, every woman, regardless of whether she strives for scientific knowledge or prefers to spend her free time buying clothes for her beloved, must be aware that she must always develop femininity in herself. After all, this is the basis of any woman.

Phraseologism "blue stocking" - blue stocking (about a female pedant, a learned woman, an old maid) - serves as a symbol of immersion in science or work with a voluntary renunciation of personal life; it is a symbol of facelessness, lack of femininity and charm inherent in every real woman.

At the same time, according to the "Dictionary of Symbols" by Jack Tresidder, historically, the blue color symbolizes infinity, eternity and truth, devotion, faith, purity, chastity, spiritual and intellectual life - associations that arose in many ancient cultures and expressed the general idea that the blue color sky - the most calm and least "material" of all colors. The Virgin Mary and Christ are often depicted dressed in blue. The blue color is an attribute of many heavenly gods, such as Amon in Ancient Egypt, Greek Zeus (Roman Jupiter), Hera (Juno). According to folk tradition, in Europe blue is associated with mercy and wisdom. It also symbolizes consciousness and dreamy reflections, as it looks quiet and calm. Light blue, as it were, is free from earthly gravity, it “floats”, a person’s thoughts are free when contemplating it. But this color also means longing, aspiration - thoughts turn away from reality, there is a desire to fly away to the "blue distances" (Tresidder, J. Dictionary of symbols / Translated from English by S. Palko. - M .: Fair-Press, 1999. - P. 334. - ISBN 5-8183-0049-8).
Origin of expression
Venetian version. There is a widespread assertion on the Internet that the name "blue stocking" goes back to the circle of intellectuals of the Quattrocento era (XV century) in Venice - men and women who studied science, and blue stockings were their distinctive attribute of clothing. Then this custom was allegedly borrowed by unnamed "Parisian intellectuals" in the 90s of the 16th century.
However, this version does not withstand historical criticism. Firstly, stockings as an independent part of clothing were not known until the 16th century. Secondly, indeed, in Italy XV-XVI centuries. there were societies of young (average age - 18-20 years old) aristocrats - compagnie, who organized various games, holidays and competitions; the authorities entrusted the holding of civil celebrations and other events - carnivals, regattas, etc. to these societies. The Compagnies also hosted private "in-house" parties; they were quite noisy and provided an opportunity to demonstrate their wealth and social superiority. In Venice, similar societies appeared in the middle. 15th century and were known as "Compagnie Dell calza" (literally translated - "Stocking Companies"). Under the "stockings" was meant men's pants-stockings "calzoni"; hence the related word "underpants" - narrow tight-fitting tights made of elastic cloth; at the top, they were attached with a cord to the belt of a short, to the waist or hips, shoulder clothing (“cott vests”). The youths of the various "compagnie Dell calza" wore such multicolored "calzones" on which the decorations indicated which of the societies they belonged to (they can be seen in the paintings of Capraccio); Societies differed not only in the colors of tights, but also in sleeve emblems. Compagnie Dell calza was called variously: Floridi, Uniti, Concordi, Ortolani, Zardinieri... There is no information about the Venetian society called "Blue Stocking"; there is also no information that women were admitted to these societies. The Compagnie Dell calza weren't "studying the sciences" but were something of a showman. Therefore, attempts to connect them with the Parisian salons of the XVII-XVIII centuries. and the English "Blue Stockings Society" of the 18th century. seem artificial and unconvincing. Interestingly, the "Venetian version" on the Russian-language Internet has one source - a note about the meaning of various colors.
Parisian version. In the 17th century salons already existed in Paris, in which women played a prominent role. A curious phrase can be found in Gustave Flaubert's Lexicon of Common Truths: “Bluestocking. - A contemptuous term for a woman interested in intellectual matters. Quote Molière for confirmation. A note from the publishers states that this is Molière's comedy The Learned Women (1672), which ridicules "secular pseudo-scientific pedants". However, Molière's comedy itself does not contain the term "bluestocking". Most likely, Flaubert had the following chain of associations: "blue stocking" (a term already popular in France of his time) - ladies passionate about science - Moliere's play "Learned Women". Perhaps, however, Molière's comedy The Funny Mistresses (1659), which is polemically mentioned in the ironic poem Bas-bleu, or Conversation (1787), a member of the English Blue Stockings Society, Anna More, is also meant. French Wikipedia says that the phrase "bas-bleu" came to France from England and quickly acquired a negative connotation, like Moliere's "femmes savantes" ("learned women"). In the literature (Figes E. Patriarchal Attiudes. NY, Persea Books, 1987. P. 93.) one can find an indication that there were supposedly some “bas-bleu meetings” in Paris in the salon of Madame de Polignac, “where the wearing of blue stockings were a general fad: some men, instead of the silk white or black stockings accepted according to etiquette, came to meetings in blue for the sake of outrageousness. (The article "Salon" of the English Wikipedia, however, ascribes this custom to the Paris salon of Madeleine de Scudery, years of life: 1607-1701). Confirmation of this information about the "blue stockings" in France before the XIX century. No. On the contrary, Anna More in the poem mentioned above claims that the French name "bas-bleu" was born as a result of a literal translation by a certain foreigner of the already established English "bluestocking".
English version. According to a more traditional and scientifically reasoned version, the phrase "bluestocking" ("bluestocking") appeared in England, from where it quickly spread to other countries.
There are several versions of its origin in the literature. According to one of them, the expression "blue stocking" first appeared in 1756 in a letter to Elizabeth Montagu and is associated with the "eccentricities" of Benjamin Stillingfleet, a botanist, translator, publisher and obscure poet of the 18th century. Lady Montagu and her Irish friend Elizabeth Vesy used the expression "bluestocking" in their correspondence, referring to the male intellectuals with whom they were friends. In women's correspondence, the phrases bluestocking doctrine, bluestocking philosophy are also found to denote their special philosophy "as a means against the rough world of politics." Later the name passed to the London intellectual circle itself.
According to another (more common) version, told by a contemporary, Fanny Burney, B. Stillingfleet was invited to an appointment with E. Vesey at a fashionable English resort. Looking around his wardrobe, he found that he did not have silk stockings, befitting for a social event. He was about to refuse the invitation, but Mrs. Vesey said: "It's okay, come in your blue stockings" (i.e. at home; today they would say: "no ties"). A slightly different version of this story and B. Stillingfleet's role in it is recounted by James Boswell in his Life of Johnson: to do without blue stockings, ”and so little by little the name stuck.” Stillingfleet was highly regarded in London. The intellectual elite called him a respected philosopher and could not imagine how it was possible to hold debates on aesthetic, spiritual and intellectual topics without him. Gradually, the phrase "blue stocking" began to be applied to all people who visited salons and clubs, preferring intellectual discussions, philosophical discussions, poetry reading, etc. ordinary entertainment: playing cards, etc.
According to a third version, Admiral Eduard Boskaven (1711-1761), known as the "Dauntless old man" or "Wryneck Dick", was the husband of one of the most enthusiastic members of the circle. He spoke rudely of his wife's intellectual hobbies and derisively referred to the meetings of the circle as meetings of the Blue Stockings Society.
The famous English researcher of international phraseological units Michael Quignon says: “Even if Anna More, James Boswell and Fanny Burney set forth only a kind of early urban myth about the circumstances of the appearance of this concept, there is no doubt that the English word “bluestocking” crystallized as a result of these intellectual conversations in the middle XVIII century". The compilers of the Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 volumes (1907-1921) also saw no reason to doubt that the term owes its origin to the Montagu and Vesey circle (vol. 11, ch. 15, § 2).
Further development of the meaning of phraseology
The original meaning of the phrase as it spread has changed in many ways. This was due to a reaction to the women's emancipation movement. At this time, in a number of European countries, especially in England and France, women often visited art and literary salons, playing far from the last roles in them. At the same time, in such mixed companies, as a rule, men still preferred to retire and discuss many problems only in their own circle. Not wanting to be satisfied with the former meaningless and empty life, women from wealthy strata of society began to make efforts to diversify their abilities: they wrote poetry, intensively studied languages, made excellent translations, for example, from Greek, Latin, Spanish, Hebrew, engaged in literary creativity .
Some women become leaders in aesthetic salons, visited by a large number of men, some of whom are their fans. Scientists, writers, actors, doctors, philosophers, representatives of high society meet here. Travers provides evidence that Jonathan Swift, the English memoirist Walpole, the composer Handel, the portrait painter Reynolds, and others spent their time in such salons. These salons run by women are called the “blue-stocking clique”.
Women who were at the forefront of salons actively manifested themselves in other areas of life. They did charity work, founded Sunday schools, educational institutions for the poor and orphans, advocated the democratization of public life, the abolition of slavery, and so on. These women were increasingly referred to as "blue stockings". Gradually, the expression acquired an ironic and then offensive meaning, which reflected a negative attitude towards the growing emancipation of women.
The expression especially spread when Byron used it in his satire on Lady Montagu's circle "The Blues" - "Blue" (sometimes translated - "Blue Stockings", 1820). After that, a large number of anecdotes appeared, ridiculing women involved in creativity, science, and taking an active part in public life.
Historians cite some typical jokes on this subject: "Many women become blue stockings because no one is interested in the color of their garters", "a misunderstood woman becomes a blue stocking".
In the middle of the XIX century. in Europe, the satirical paintings of the Blue Stocking series, drawn by the French cartoonist Honore Daumier, were very popular, in which women were depicted as repulsive sexless creatures, immersed in philosophical reasoning or overcome by a thirst for creativity, and around them - the disorder of life, dirt and desolation . These drawings were accompanied by short explanations such as: "A woman like me... and sew on a button... You're crazy!". “Things are getting better: now she is no longer satisfied with wearing trousers - no, she must throw them on my head! ..”; a woman looking in a mirror: “It is incredible how hips and breasts disappear in this mirror! ..” “Madame de Stael and Mr. Buffon proclaimed: ... genius has no gender”; "a mother burned by creative fire, and a child in a tub of water."
A.P. Chekhov in the story "Pink Stocking" wrote: "What good is it to be a blue stocking. Blue stocking... God knows what! Not a woman and not a man, and so the middle half, neither this nor that.
Who is called the "blue stocking" today?
These days, the expression "bluestocking" almost always has a negative connotation.
Those who are called that, as a rule, study well at school and at the institute - and not always because of their natural mind, but often because of increased perseverance and diligence. Study becomes the meaning of life: they do not miss lectures, but they almost never go to student parties - why waste time when you can sit in the library or write another essay? Later, the same attitude carries over to work. Such women are in no hurry to go home, try not to take sick leave and are ready to stay in the office for days in order to “bring to mind” an already perfect report.
They do not have a husband or boyfriend, and most likely never have. Firstly, these are "frivolous nonsense" that should not interest a serious person. And secondly, there was simply nowhere for husbands and loved ones to come from - these women consider it below their dignity to “make eyes” at work, and they don’t go anywhere else. If someone still tries to pay attention to them, which happens extremely rarely, they make such an indignant face that men immediately abandon their timid attempts to woo. And then women come up with a lot of excuses for themselves: the gentleman was still unworthy of their attention, and even if he was not so bad, he would certainly go to another, “frivolous” woman at the first opportunity.
Why does this happen
Bluestocking syndrome is often the result of an overly strict upbringing. Usually such girls are brought up by grandmothers or mothers-teachers. From early childhood, they are taught that everything that does not concern study or work does not deserve attention and is generally harmful. Beautiful clothes, cosmetics and jewelry are a husk that makes it difficult to see their inner essence. But they are met by clothes, especially in adolescence, so no one tries to see their beautiful inner world, enclosed in an unpresentable shell.
Due to character traits. The girl sets a goal for herself - for example, to become a veterinarian or a firefighter, and strictly follows it, while forgetting about the rest of her life. It happens that the achieved goal does not bring satisfaction, and life "passed by."
Because of peer relationships. At the age of the "ugly duckling" girls are not popular in companies. They are rarely invited to parties, and they are reluctant to communicate with them, considering them to be boring and hardworking. Then the girls themselves convince themselves that they do not need all this, and try to realize themselves in some other way, most often through study. In addition, for exemplary behavior, they receive the approval of their elders, they are always set as an example, thereby increasing their self-esteem. Only now relations with peers from this does not improve at all.
Possible consequences
Sooner or later, most bluestockings have an epiphany. They begin to understand that all their lives they have been deprived of simple human joys.
Further events can develop in three ways.
Option 1
→ A woman puts an end to her personal life and turns into a grumpy "old maid". In this situation, she begins to spoil the life of those around her with endless lectures and lamentations about the decline of morals in society and the depravity of youth. Anyone who is different from her causes the strongest irritation. As a result, she remains a lonely and forever dissatisfied grumbler for the rest of her life.
Option 2
→ Realizing that life is passing, the "blue stocking" begins to frantically try to catch up, i.e. embarks on "breaking bad", and with the same perseverance and perseverance with which she previously studied and worked. And things can end very badly: there is no experience of communicating with people, and the “blue stockings” become victims of deceivers and swindlers; at best, they simply find men who shamelessly use them. Then they implicitly fulfill all their whims, considering it absolutely normal.
Option 3 (Preferred)
→ Overcoming the "blue stocking" syndrome and resocialization.
How to Overcome Bluestocking Syndrome
You can't go from "blue stocking" to "fatal temptress" just by changing your wardrobe and make-up. First of all, you need to change your attitude towards yourself and the world around you. To begin with, just love yourself, and then gradually change your image, and others will definitely notice it. Then you can begin to communicate with them, and over time, figure out who is worth what. You should not refuse to participate in collective, corporate events. However, you should not go to a party just to find a husband - you just need to try to have a good time. A life partner will also be found over time, in addition, friends will appear, and life can become pleasant and amazing.

In our time nicknamed "blue stocking" most often awarded to old maids who have sacrificed their personal lives for the sake of a career or science, although such an interpretation of this phrase has nothing to do with the original meaning. Phraseologism appeared in England in the 18th century, and those who were called "blue stockings" not only were not upset about this, but had every reason to be proud of their title. In addition, men were the first to receive such nicknames.

T. Rowlandson. Bluestocking Lady Caricature

Also read:

"Blue stockings" appeared in England

The expression "blue stocking" (bluestocking) was first recorded in 1756 in England, in the correspondence of Elizabeth Montagu and Elizabeth Vesey - members of a circle of intellectuals who met to talk about art and science. The soul of the society that gathered in the 1750-1760s. in the salon of Elizabeth Montagu, there was a scientist Benjamin Stillingfleet, who neglected fashion: etiquette prescribed to wear silk white or black stockings, and he wore blue woolen ones. And in their correspondence, women so called the male intellectuals with whom they communicated in this circle. They also used the phrases "bluestocking doctrine", "bluestocking philosophy" to denote their special philosophy "as a remedy against the rough world of politics".

Also read:

A typical modern idea of the "blue stocking"

D. Boswell explains the appearance of the expression “blue stocking” in this way: “Stillingfleet was such an excellent conversationalist that his absence was perceived as a great loss, and we used to say:“ We cannot do without blue stockings ”, and so little by little this name took root ". And later, “bluestockings” began to be called the rest of the circle members and all those men and women who preferred intellectual discussions and philosophical conversations to ordinary entertainment like playing cards.

R. Samuel. Portraits of the Muses in the Temple of Apollo, 1778. This fragment of the painting depicts members of the Bluestocking circle.

Also read:

Elizabeth Montagu

Hanna More

T. Rowlandson. Caricature "Brawl at the Bluestocking Club", 1815

"Blue stocking". Photo by E. Zemtsov

Katya Pushkareva - the embodiment of common stereotypes about "blue stockings"