Airhead (subculture)

"Airhead", also known as "ghetto prep", "popular", "Trixie" (in Chicago), "basic bitch", or simply" "basic", is a slang term in American popular culture used to pejoratively describe middle class white women who are perceived to predominantly like mainstream products, trends, or music while at the same time fearing and disliking diversity. "Airhead" dates back to the late 1980s as a derogatory term for a stupid or unaware person, usually female but sometimes male. "Basic bitch" originated in hip-hop culture and rose in popularity through rap music, songs, blogs, and videos from 2011 to 2014. Interpretations of the term vary and its use has been criticized for being an overly vague and a misogynistic insult.

Their male counterparts are usually termed "basic bros" or "urban preps". International English equivalents to the "basic bitch" or "airhead" include preconceived notions that some people have about contemporary British "Essex Girls" and "Sloane rangers," Irish "Millies", and Australian "haul girls" known for their love of shopping for designer gear, and uploading videos of their purchases on youtube.

Before the 1980s, airhead was general American slang for a ditzy, clumsy or stupid person. With the rise of the valley girl and preppy subculture however, the term was applied to cheerleaders and nouveau riche or middle class hangers-on who imitated the uptalk speech and clothing of the upper class popular girls. These airheads, or were stereotypically viewed by their classmates as unintelligent, gossipybimbettes who were interested solely in spreading rumors about their rivals and entering relationships with the wealthy jocks.

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