word bastardization

fashionista: a designer, promoter, or follower of the latest fashions
Pronunciation: \ˌfa-shə-ˈnēs-tə\
Function: noun
Etymology: 1fashion + -ista (as in Sandinista)
Date: 1993

So we all know that the economy has recently took a turn for the worst right? (if you don't, then you suck because that means you are rich) The economy also took a few things with it when it went down the drain, like the word fashionista. Granted I'm not the sort of guy who says this word on a daily basis, but looking at the evolution or de-evolution of the word is sort of disturbing. It really shows what we value as a culture. The word fashionista as defined above by merriam-webbster means: anyone who is a fashionista is: pretty damn fabulous, knows whats in, and (in my opinion) probably would be pictured on either the satorialist or jak and jil (fashion blogs that you should check out). However since the downturn of the economy this little gem started popping up everywhere on the 'tube, radio and print: recessionista

Recessionista: a blend of the words Fashionista and recession that describes a person who strives to remain fashionable on a minimal budget. The term originated in the United States during the economic difficulties of 2008.

What does this say? As defined by wiki (yes, only the most upstanding research on any&every) A recessionista is: a bargain hunter and a person who "manages" to be fashionable on a tight budget. What does the creation of this word imply?

being fashionable = $$$

Its sad to see this, because being fashionable doesn't mean that you have to spend insane amounts of money, and if you aren't spending money it doesn't mean its not fashionable. Recessionista implies that when you look good on the cheap its not really the same as being a fashionista. Which is sort of weird because the word fashionista, by definition, really has nothing to do with money. The creation of this word sort of belittles the recessionista. It says: even though you maintain the a fashionable image its not the same because you achieved the goal in a slightly different way. Its stupid that we define the two lifestyle choices that have the SAME goal, as two entirely different things, making one seem less great. Which makes me think of gay marriage. What makes the love between two men or two women any different than the love between a man and a woman? Just because the way that I love is different, does it make it less important than the love of a straight couple? Just because I only buy clothes on sale does that make them unfashionable? A person can still look really good without spending that much money, and a loving relationship between two men is still a loving relationship. Yes its sort of different, but its the same nonetheless, so why would you belittle the other?