Boulevardier Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌbuːliˈvɑːrdi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who frequents the boulevards of a city, especially in Paris, often implying a man about town or a flâneur.

Examples

• He was a renowned boulevardier, known for his charisma and wit.
• As a boulevardier, he spent most of his evenings strolling along the Seine.

Synonyms

• Flâneur
• Man about town
• Dandy

Antonyms

• Hermit
• Recluse

Additional Information

The term boulevardier originated in the 19th century, derived from the French word “boulevard,” which referred to a wide, tree-lined street or avenue. Initially, it described someone who frequented these streets, often implying a sense of leisure and luxury. Over time, the term evolved to connote a particular type of person who embodies the spirit of urban sophistication and refinement.

In modern usage, a boulevardier is often associated with the French concept of “flânerie,” or the art of aimless wandering. This implies a certain level of curiosity and openness to experience, as well as a willingness to engage with the city and its inhabitants.

While the term boulevardier is often used to describe men, it can also be applied to women who embody similar qualities. However, it’s worth noting that the term has historically been associated with masculine ideals of sophistication and urbanity.

Etymology

The term boulevardier is derived from the French word “boulevard,” which referred to a wide, tree-lined street or avenue. This, in turn, is derived from the Dutch word “bolwerk,” meaning “bulwark” or “rampart.” The term has undergone significant evolution since its inception, influenced by cultural and social changes.

Usage Notes

The term boulevardier is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who embodies the spirit of urban sophistication and refinement. It can also be used in more casual settings to imply a sense of leisure and luxury.

Cultural References

The term boulevardier has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, film, and art. For example, the character of Charles Baudelaire in Jean-Paul Sartre’s novel “The Roads to Freedom” is often described as a boulevardier.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Take a boulevardier’s stroll: to take a leisurely walk, often implying a sense of luxury or refinement.
• Be a boulevardier: to embody the spirit of urban sophistication and refinement.

Related Words or Phrases

• Flâneur
• Man about town
• Dandy
• Urbanite

Collocations

• Boulevardier type: a person who embodies the spirit of urban sophistication and refinement.
• Boulevardier attitude: a particular mindset or approach to life, often implying a sense of leisure and luxury.

Frequency of Use

The term boulevardier is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in literary and cultural contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Bullevardier
• Bulblyrdier
• Blvdier