Bohemian

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Grammarist

Bohemian is a term that many find confusing. We will examine the definition of the word bohemian, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.

The first and most literal definition of Bohemian is a person who lives in or originated in Bohemia, a western region of the Czech Republic. This use of the word Bohemian is always capitalized. However, a more general use of the word bohemian is to signify a person who lives in an unconventional way or behaves in an unconventional manner. Artists of all types are particularly prone to be branded bohemian. The term bohemian to mean following an unconventional lifestyle was coined in the mid-1800s, from the French bohemién, which means gypsy. At this time, it was believed that Gypsies originated in the area of Bohemia.

Examples

Bryan Singer has received the directing credit for Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” despite being replaced by Dexter Fletcher during the latter stages of the shoot. (The New York Times)

GLOBAL cities from Seoul to Tel Aviv have welcomed Google with open arms, but in the bohemian Berlin district of Kreuzberg, the Silicon Valley giant has found itself on the frontlines of gentrification trench warfare. (The Business Times)

“Ensure a good balance of textures to keep it modern—too messy will make it look ethnic and bohemian, too sharp will give it an uptight and outdated finish,” warns Baltazar. (Vogue Magazine)

Today, Barranco is a mix of bohemian and chic, the perfect place to sip Peruvian coffees by day and pisco sours by night. (The Globe and Mail)

Perhaps as a response to growing up with bohemian parents, she’s pursuing a sure thing: medicine. (The San Francisco Chronicle)