Cool (aesthetic)

Coolness is an admired aesthetic of attitude, behavior, comportment, appearance and style, influenced by and a product of the Zeitgeist. Because of the varied and changing connotations of cool, as well as its subjective nature, the word has no single meaning. It has associations of composure and self-control (cf. the OED definition) and often is used as an expression of admiration or approval. Although commonly regarded as slang, it is widely used among disparate social groups, and has endured in usage for generations.

Overview

There is no single concept of cool. One of the essential characteristics of cool is its mutability—what is considered cool changes over time and varies among cultures and generations.

One consistent aspect however, is that cool is wildly seen as positive and desirable.

Although there is no single concept of cool, its definitions fall into a few broad categories.

As a behavioral characteristic

The sum and substance of cool is a self-conscious aplomb in overall behavior, which entails a set of specific behavioral characteristics that is firmly anchored in symbology, a set of discernible bodily movements, postures, facial expressions and voice modulations that are acquired and take on strategic social value within the peer context.

Uncool (album)

Uncool is the fifth studio album by recording artist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal released in February 2002. This is his third release under the Bumblefoot name. Uncool was originally released in 2000 only in France. The 2002 release contains two cover songs not included on the French version - What's New Pussycat? by Burt Bacharach and Can't Take My Eyes Off You sung by Frankie Valli. Songs excluded from the American release but on the French release were eventually included on Thal's Forgotten Anthology CD released in 2003.

Track listing

Track listing (French release)

Credits