poser Poser this, poser that. Everybody thinks somebody is a poser. Or so it seems if you read internet message boards. Even ours... For example, you've probably heard someone say, "Avril Lavigne is such a poser," meaning she's not really punk, but she pretends like she is. Calling someone a poser is the same thing as accusing them of being fake or inauthentic. They may talk the talk, but they don't walk the walk, whether they're trying to be "punk" or "skater" or something else entirely. People began using the word "poser" to refer to someone who "affects an attitude" in the late 19th century. It comes from the French word, "poseur," literally "one who poses"--like for a picture or an artist. The term became popular within British and American punk subculture during the 1970s. Punks were defined by their anti-corporate values and they worked hard to maintain their outsider status. Ostensibly, they didn't want a mainstream "poser" casually adopting their look because it could dull the punk edge. They were afraid punk could become--and some would argue that it has--just a style of dress and music. Even if no one can agree what punk is--check out gURL's feature "What is Punk?" and you'll see what we mean--a lot self-identified punks feel like they know what it is not. And it's not, they argue, something that can be represented by a popular singer like Avril Lavigne. These days, it's not just punks who use the word "poser." Goths use it, skaters use it, and lots of other groups who are worried that the statements they're trying to make with their alternative lifestyle are being commodified and reduced to a style of dress.

Comments

[Ich]

A poser is someone who pretends he/she is someone they are not. My answer to someone who calls me a poser for refusing to "non-conform" their way and only their way is, "How do you know who I'm not if you don't know who I am?"

[celebrity tube]

They all posers. They need to be posers if they want to be famous.

[Tam456tam]

People are possers if itzz on the internet I know the beiggest pooserr " Miley cyrus" Theres many poser on myspace \ twitter , and shiiitt , ii hate fuckkiing pooserrs

[abigail]

They are right, the word poser is for people who are afraid that other people will ruin the Label they self-proclaim.
And also sometimes people call other people posers to make /themselves/ look like the real deal.
But again, it's all just a stupid cycle, and Poseur will probably stick around for a realy realy realy, realy long time.

[okiedokey]

miley cyrus is a big time poser

[Sabaku no Sasuke]

Another Q.
So I dress emo...feel depressed inside

But alot of people see me smile and laugh
But that's only when Im near people who make me happy.

Am I a poser?

[MISZ FABULOUS]

i think ppl r too stereotypical. i went thru this...idk.."emo" phase. ppl used to tell me that since i'm mexican i shouldnt be like that. they said chicanas rnt "allowed" to be emo like i needed society's opinion on MY life.

[Nia]

I agree with Mira, for agreeing with me :]
Haha.

[Mira]

I agree with NIA. Everyone goes through their poser phases, it's apart of finding your own self.

[Nia]

Everyone goes through their own "poser-esque" phase, & each person has their own definition of a "poser."

[Sabaku no Sasuke]

If Im trying to be/being just like my idol, does that make me a poser? [Honest awnsers, please]

[Annonomys]

What's the point of being a poser if it gets you no where?

[Nikki]

I think She is not a Poser....
but thats just me i am punk/metalhead
and i listin to her music its not all that bad....

[Anonymous]

Honestly speaking, everyone's a poseur. Everyone's going through this stage of figuring themselves out and everyone basically goes through a phase. We all think that we are that certain "something", but then at the end, we feel as if though it doesn't fit us. So then we go back in being normal people until we yet again have found a new interests.

And Rebel Princess, you are very much correct that no one should be bothered/intimidated by how you look. I too have went through such phase like yours.

[therebelprincess]

well everyone has their own style like me i combine rocker,punk,and girly-ish and some people think its cool some say its weird and out of fashion i think people souldnt worry about what people think but what defines who they really are

[lola]

People call me a poser ALL THE TIME. They say basically that I'm a stupid wannabe-punk just because punk music isn't the only music I like, because I don't act how THEY think I should act. I thought punk was about rebellion and doing what you want. Guess I was wrong...

[Ama]

I seriosly like the punk style(converses etc) but i'm not at all in the music or lifestyle. I don't go around saying hey guys i'm punk. on the contrary I get mad with the people who call me that. I don't want to be labeled bcuz it's not fair to the real punks who are trying to make a statement. Im sorry that punk/goth/emo/metal etc is becoming comercial but if i like the clothes why not wear them?? I don't think im a poser Do you ??

[ginny]

i don't think avril was trying to be punk, i think people labled her that

[LFJHA;SLKFDJl]

OMG I LOVE POSING. There's nothing like getting naked in front of a strange hairy man.

[Krystal]

What!!!!!!! Avril Lavigne is NOT a POSER!!! =/

[Amber]

The only people I would consider posers are those who are doing things just to fit in. I was called a poser by my own cousin because I like a mish-mash of different styles. I seriously love the goth and punk looks but I also like to be very cute and girly sometimes. But I like them and dress that way solely because I like them; not because they're 'in'. People who 'like' certain things because they'll "fit in" are the real posers.

[Landi]

I had a person call me poser one time. She said " I mean it in a good way". Give me a break.

[jimmyjan]

wow that is really gay
and how could a girly website know wtf poser is and anything about punk goth emo?
they got a whole different meaning there.

[molly]

Everyone's a poser to someone, so I don't let it bother me when people call me that.

[Vicky]

Oh my god. I hate being called a poser.

Everyone has a right to like whatever they want at any point in there life, and like it as much as they want. Why deny them happiness?

Seriously, companies and musicians don't care if you are a "poser", just so long as you buy their merchandise or like their music.

Anyone who really goes out of their way to call you a "poser", really should find something better to do with themselves.