Bon Ton: History and Significance

Origin and Meaning

"Bon ton" is a French phrase that literally translates to "good tone" or "good style." In this context, "bon" means "good," and "ton" means "tone" or "style." It refers to the set of social norms, behaviors, and manners considered appropriate, sophisticated, and fashionable in a particular society, especially among the upper classes. In essence, "bon ton" signifies the art of behaving in a refined, polished, and elegant manner.

Historical Background

The concept of bon ton can be traced back to 18th-century France. It was particularly associated with the aristocracy and upper classes of French society, where strict codes of conduct and manners were considered crucial for maintaining one's social standing. The notion was closely tied to the idea of courtly behavior and the expectations of individuals in elite circles.

The term itself was widely popularized during the Louis XVI era in France. The French aristocracy had very rigid social structures, and good manners were often a way to showcase one's education, wealth, and position in society. This period, with its emphasis on decorum and refined behavior, laid the foundation for the term's use.

Who Coined the Term?

The phrase "bon ton" likely emerged within French social circles as a way to describe the refined, idealized manners that were cultivated by the nobility. While it’s hard to pinpoint a single person who coined the term, French writers, social commentators, and philosophers of the time (like Jean-Jacques Rousseau or François de La Rochefoucauld) often discussed the ideals of polite society and the importance of manners, which contributed to the emergence of such terms.

Cultural Significance

The idea of bon ton became closely associated with elite society, especially in France, England, and later in America during the 18th and 19th centuries. As the influence of French culture spread throughout Europe and the United States, it brought with it an emphasis on high society manners, dress, and etiquette.

• In 18th-century France, "bon ton" was a marker of distinction. Aristocrats and royalty were expected to embody this behavior in everything from speech to table manners, from the way they dressed to how they interacted socially.
• In 19th-century England, particularly during the Victorian era, adherence to good manners was a sign of civilized behavior, and proper etiquette was taught in finishing schools to young women and men.
• In America, especially during the Gilded Age, the nouveau riche were eager to demonstrate their social sophistication, and many adopted "bon ton" manners to assimilate into high society.

Context of Usage

"Bon ton" is often used in a slightly snobbish or ironic way to describe someone who is overly concerned with appearance, social propriety, or following fashionable trends to the point of being artificial. In modern usage, it can describe both a person who maintains high social standards or behaves in a highly cultured manner, or the actual standards and practices of good manners.

For example, you might hear it used like this:

• "She’s always attending galas, following the bon ton of society."
• "He’s obsessed with the bon ton of Parisian cafés, always ordering the right drink at the right time."

In Modern Times

Today, bon ton can still be applied to describe elegance and class, but the strict, class-based associations are less pronounced. It's often used in a more general sense to refer to high-class culture, sophisticated manners, and a well-groomed appearance. It’s not necessarily about aristocracy anymore, but more about a sense of refinement and etiquette in both personal and professional life.

In some circles, especially in fashion, the term might describe the stylish ways in which one should behave and dress in order to maintain a chic and cultured image. Some people use it when they’re talking about people who are trying to be overly proper or trying to conform to social expectations in a somewhat artificial way.

Summary

• Bon ton originated in 18th-century France, specifically in aristocratic circles.
• It referred to the refined behaviors and elegant manners that were considered the hallmark of the nobility.
• The term became widespread in Europe and the United States, especially during the Victorian era and Gilded Age.
• While originally associated with high society, it can now be used more broadly to refer to cultivated elegance or stylish behavior.