Extreme fashions from the 1700s were not limited to women’s dress. In mid-1700s England, the word “macaroni” described flamboyantly dressed young men who had traveled in Europe and imitated French and Italian tastes and fashions. The term “macaroni” seems to derive from the popular Italian pasta, little seen in England.
Elements of typical macaroni fashion included tightly-fitting coats, short waistcoats with huge buttons, delicate narrow shoes with oversized buckles, ruffles, lace, ribbon, and decorative trim, top-heavy wigs, tiny hats, and a variety of accessories, such as walking sticks and swords.
The macaroni reference in the popular tune, “Yankee Doodle,” poked fun at the idea that poorly dressed Yankees, or Americans, were naïve enough to believe that placing a feather in a hat was enough to be a macaroni.
Macaronis provided ample fodder for printmakers, who created dozens of humorous caricatures portraying macaronis of all descriptions.
Larry Reed says
I bought a print in Williamsburg, many years ago, entitled “A Mongo Macaroni”. Is it “Mongo” simply because it is a black man depicted?.
Now I understand how these prints that I have seen in the Post Office relate to the colonial times. Thank you for such great information!!!
Kathy says
Perfect timing! I’m just starting a unit with fifth graders “The American Revolution through Art”. This will be a great introduction to what students will be doing this nine weeks - before and after their trip to Colonial Williamsburg.
Thanks for the info! It’s always good to learn something new every day.
Josiah Weber says
I want to be a macaroni!!
What a great history lesson! Very interesting & informative!
Harriett says
Very interesting! Now I understand the song.