Definition of a Wallflower
The term "wallflower" has many social and popular cultural connotations, with its most popular use stemming from people who were out of place at ballroom dances.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
"Wallflower" as a term to describe shy people had its origins in ballrooms. Those people who wished to remain out of the limelight and who were withdrawn from the public gathering were called wallflowers because they typically stayed close to the walls of the ballroom.
Identification
-
A wallflower is a person who is shy in social occasions. These social occasions can be dances, but they do not have to be. A person who is shy or socially awkward in any group of people can be considered a wallflower.
-
Considerations
-
Originally, wallflowers were exclusively female. Current social usage of the term includes men as well.
Fun Fact
-
Though the term "wallflower" began being prescribed to people in ballroom dances, it is also a popular shrub. These plants do often grow alongside walls, particularly if grown in a domestic garden instead of in the wild.
Famous Ties
-
Many references to wallflowers exist in popular culture. These include songs by Bob Dylan and Peter Gabriel, titles of comic books and manga, and the names of American and British rock bands.
-
