vogue
C1Formal to Semi-formal
Definition
Meaning
The prevailing fashion or popular style at a particular time; something that is trendy or fashionable.
A period of popularity of a specific fashion, style, practice, or activity. It can also denote something being in fashion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun. As an adjective ('vogue') or verb ('to vogue'), it is highly specialized and associated with the dance style or a very niche, often dated, meaning for 'to be in fashion'. The core sense relates to transient popularity, not inherent quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Both use the noun 'vogue' identically.
Connotations
In fashion and media contexts globally, associated with the magazine 'Vogue'. In LGBTQ+ contexts, strongly associated with the dance style 'voguing', popularized in the US.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in some corpora (BNC vs. COCA), but the difference is minimal. The dance-related verb is more common in American English due to its cultural origins in New York ballroom culture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Noun] be in vogue[Noun] come into vogue[Noun] go out of vogueThere is a vogue for [Noun/Gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “all the vogue”
- “in vogue”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing and trend analysis: 'Sustainable products are currently in vogue among consumers.'
Academic
Used in cultural studies, sociology, and history: 'The vogue for Gothic architecture saw a revival in the 19th century.'
Everyday
Used to discuss fashion, hobbies, or popular activities: 'Plant-based diets seem to be in vogue this year.'
Technical
Limited use. In linguistics, 'vogue word/phrase' denotes a temporarily fashionable term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The dance style voguing, though originating in America, has a dedicated following in London clubs.
American English
- She learned to vogue at the Harlem ballroom in the 1990s.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common examples.)
American English
- (Not standard; no common examples.)
adjective
British English
- The vogue aesthetic of the 1920s is experiencing a renaissance.
American English
- 'Vogue' as a standard adjective is rare; 'voguing' is used for the dance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Long hair is in vogue now.
- This song is very much in vogue.
- There seems to be a new vogue for vintage clothing.
- The film started a vogue for science fiction.
- Short-lived dietary crazes come into vogue every few months.
- The architectural vogue for glass and steel has dominated cityscapes for decades.
- The critic argued that the current vogue for minimalism in literature often sacrifices emotional depth for stylistic brevity.
- Though now out of vogue, his theories once commanded great respect in academic circles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the magazine 'VOGUE' which showcases what is currently fashionable. The word itself sounds like 'vague' but with an 'o' – don't be vague, know what's in vogue!
Conceptual Metaphor
FASHION IS A FORCE (it comes, goes, is in/out); FASHION IS A POSSESSION (to have vogue).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'vogue' as 'вог' (nonsense) or 'вогнутый' (concave).
- The dance 'voguing' is often transliterated as 'вогинг'.
- Do not confuse with the brand 'Vogue' (сигареты) or the magazine 'Vogue' (журнал). The abstract noun is best translated as 'мода', 'поветрие'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vogue' as a common adjective (e.g., 'a vogue dress' is wrong; use 'fashionable').
- Confusing 'in vogue' with 'in fashion' (they are synonymous, but 'in vogue' is more formal).
- Pronouncing it as /vɒɡ/ or /vɒdʒ/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'vogue' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often related to clothing, 'vogue' can refer to any prevailing trend, including ideas, diets, artistic styles, hobbies, or words.
No, it's not standard. 'Vogue' is not used as a gradable adjective. Use 'very fashionable', 'very trendy', or 'very much in vogue' instead.
'Vogue' is a more formal term for a prevailing fashion. 'Trend' is a general direction of change. 'Fad' implies a short-lived, intense, and often trivial trend.
It is highly specific, referring to the stylized, model-like dance moves from ballroom culture (e.g., 'They vogued competitively'). Do not use it to mean 'to be fashionable'.