- Modestly Reserved: An All-Encompassing Overview of the Year 2024
Every year, it seems like summer slips away too swiftly. Weighty matters such as conflict and terrorism have been quite prevalent recently (Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Sudan, Mannheim, Solingen, cancellation of Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts). Many people also find political combat (USA, Thuringia, Saxony, etc.) tiring.
Let's shift gears to lighter subjects and small talk? A summer emotion lexicon from June to August 2024:
A as in Attached bottle caps
To decrease plastic waste in the environment, Germany has made it compulsory to use "attached caps" (tethered caps) on specific drinks since early July, because of an EU directive based on a study showing that plastic caps are the most common type of plastic waste found on beaches.
B as in "Belly, Legs, Butt"
"Go to the gym, become skinny": Shirin David's hit song creates confusion with its non-stop glorification of a toned, slim body. However, David is the most successful female singer in Germany in terms of number-one hits, with no solo singer having more chart-toppers than her.
C as in "Cash only" or "Card only"
When going out or even in beer gardens, one is increasingly confronted with a polarized world in Germany: sometimes "CASH ONLY", sometimes "CARD ONLY" only. Extreme.
D as in "demure"
This old-fashioned word means reserved. Thanks to a TikTok trend and creator Jools Lebron, it's gained popularity. The trans woman spoke about her makeup in a video. The phrase "very demure, very mindful" (very modest, very attentive) is now trendy and also shows much irony, as the word is often used in the opposite way when something is not reserved, shy, cute, or cuddly.
E as in Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris
The world watched as Paris, somewhat rainy, opened its Olympic Games with an extraordinary show on the Seine on July 26. There was excitement about the alleged presence of too many drag queens and a suspected mockery of Christianity, but in the end, love and the severely ill singer Celine Dion, who sang "L'hymne à l'amour" on the Eiffel Tower, triumphed.
F as in Festivals
The star of the legendary "Jedermann" in Salzburg this year was the acclaimed actor Philipp Hochmair ("The Vienna Crime: Blind Investigates") - a triumph. The old, demanding theater piece was skillfully brought into the present.
G as in Green and Gorgeous
2024 was the "Brat Girl Summer" - and it has a color: bright green, the color of the album cover "Brat" (German: Gorge) by British singer Charli XCX. In her song "360," she sings, "If you love it, if you hate it, I don't fucking care what you think." (Translation: Whether you love it or hate it, I don't care what you think.) Do what you want, regardless of what others think - that's the idea behind the declared "Gorge Summer." A kind of counter-trend to the perfectly styled, never exaggerated "Clean Girl Aesthetic" of recent years.
H as in "Hot Rodent Man"
Generation Z has supposedly discovered men who look like rodents as this summer's sex symbol. They are said to be an antidote to toxic masculinity: prominent facial features, pointed nose, prominent teeth. The poster boys: Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor, Jeremy Allen White, Timothée Chalamet, Barry Keoghan, Harry Styles, and many more.
I as in Internationally ruined reputation
The Germans as Organization and Thoroughness World Champions? The Reputation is Gone. International media portrayed Germany during the football EM as a country with chaotic trains and little customer friendliness, as well as often poor internet and inadequate network expansion. A reporter for the "New York Times" wrote about the alleged German efficiency: "Forget everything you thought you knew." Embarrassing.
J like Joints
It was Germany's first summer with the new cannabis law (since April 1, possession and cultivation of cannabis for adults with certain conditions for personal use are allowed). In many establishments, signs now read "Cannabis smoking prohibited".
K like Cat Ladies
Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance once referred to his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and her party colleagues as "a bunch of childless cat ladies" (a group of childless cat women). Intended to be derogatory for strange people, this mindset may backfire, as love for animals is now seen by many as animal protection and humanity - and more modern than Vance's worldview.
L like Latte Shattered
A video of French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati went viral during the Olympics because it looked like he broke the bar with his large penis. A case of global penis envy.
M like Munich
Germany's third-largest city with the clear Isar and the English Garden was this summer a kind of "place to be" with the mega-concerts of Taylor Swift and Coldplay and of course the special concert series of Adele.
N like Nutella Ice Cream
Hard to get for weeks, the "Nutella Ice Cream" introduced by Ferrero for the 60th birthday of the nut nougat cream was probably the summer product of the year in a cup for sweet tooths.
O like Outdoor Clothing
Reinhold Messner (79), expressing his puzzlement, asks why urban dwellers don the outdoor apparel typical of mountain climbers in city centers. "Individuals strolling in the pedestrian zone seem prepared for an imminent ascent to Mount Everest," the revered mountaineer commented to the German Press Agency. Despite his propensity for functional clothing, he refrains from wearing it for style reasons, instead opting for practical ones.
P like Personnel Deficit
Germany experiences a sense of desolation due to the frequent citation of personnel constraints as a hindrance. This was a common theme in the summer, even in eateries yet untouched by the restaurant collapse.
Q like Queer Identity
Ralf Schumacher's public declaration of his homosexuality on July 14 sparked a media uproar, with his ex-wife Cora joining the fray.
R like Rosy-Pink Kits
The pink away jersey of the German team during the European Football Championship became an Adidas bestseller.
S like Sock Sleeves and Shirt
Fashion during summer 2024 featured, for instance, white socks pulled up instead of sneaker socks or footlets; this trend extended to Birkenstocks. Moreover, shorts are now permissible in all settings, and the simple white T-shirt (not overly tight) is a must-have. Additionally, cool individuals wear sunglasses around their necks or at the back of their heads rather than in their hair, unless they are on their noses.
T like Trendy Lads
The term 'Talahon' (meaning 'come here' in Arabic) has been proposed as the Youth Word of the Year. It refers to young men of migration background who sport athletic wear, chains, fake designer clothes, and fanny packs; they are often seen driving around in a macho manner. This phenomenon involves elements of racism, ressentiment, and self-irony. "In Love with a Talahon" by Butterbro is also reported to be the first AI-generated song to top the German charts.
U like Tourist Overload
Spain witnessed widespread protests against mass tourism. Locals express frustration over escalated housing costs, environmental pollution, traffic congestion, overpopulation, and water shortages or inadequate waste disposal facilities.
V as in "Overcomplicated?"
Comic artist and gay icon Ralf König opined in an interview with "NOZ" that the complexity of diverse symbolism added to the rainbow flag obscures the original meaning. He advocates for simplicity, stating that flags should not be complicated.
W as in "Watermelon Craze"
The watermelon, whether grilled, consumed as a sandwich, in a salad with feta, as a toothpaste flavor, or a perfume scent, or used as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians (due to its colors), is a popular trend.
XY Chromosomes
Discussions surrounding higher testosterone levels in women often ignite trans- or interphobic sentiments, as was observed during the Olympics around boxing star Imane Khelif. In Germany, transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals gained the right to register their intention to change their gender entry and first name at the registry office since August 1st, under the new Self-Determination Act (effective from November 1st). They must wait three months before submitting their declaration, which meets the requirement. Previously, a court decision and two expert opinions were necessary.
Z as in "Too Much Perfume?"
Berlin's renowned chef The Duc Ngo does not appreciate guests at his restaurants exuding too much perfume. He expressed his displeasure online, stating that while he appreciates pleasant scents, sometimes it's excess. "Please consider the chefs and other guests, and tone down your perfume when you dine with us. Thank you," he urged. Should we implement more perfume bans or at least a scent etiquette in such situations?
Other topics of conversation might include discussing the latest fashion trends, such as wearing sock sleeves with shorts and white T-shirts, or the popularity of the "Brat Girl Summer" and its bright green color. Alternatively, one could explore the surge in interest in men with prominent facial features, a trend dubbed "Hot Rodent Man," which is being seen as an antidote to toxic masculinity.
