# Is Eau de Cologne inherently tacky ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 30, 2019, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478 "2019-08-30T15:37:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/1 "2019-08-30T15:37:30Z")
_Eau de Cologne_ was probably the very first “perfume” I could name. Some forty years later, I still _love_ the fragrance. I’ve had expensivish, “real” perfumes but to be honest, I was never a big fan, used them only on really special occasions (a small bottle could last over three years) and, while there were I few that I really liked, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I’d happily trade them for a good _Eau de Cologne_. The only thing really holding me back is that it seems to be considered a bit tacky. Sure, cheap _Cologne_ doesn’t smell particularly great, but then all cheap perfumes are nothing special with some borderline offensive, which _Eau de Cologne_ never is to me. So, tacky and cheap or not ? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/2 "2019-08-30T15:42:42Z")
Great scent. Not sure why you’d think it was tacky or who considers it so. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/3 "2019-08-30T16:08:07Z")
I sure don’t think it’s tacky : I _love_ it. Perhaps I’m mistaken but I had the feeling that in popular culture, creepy losers are the only ones who wear _Eau de Cologne_. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/4 "2019-08-30T16:46:50Z")
Isn’t Eau de Cologne just a designation indicating the concentration of the scent?😕 ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/5 "2019-08-30T16:47:15Z")
I’m a bit confused. Feel free to educate me. > [@Wikipedia](#): > > In contemporary American English usage, the term “cologne” has become a generic term for perfumes usually marketed towards men. It also may signify a less concentrated (but more affordable) version of a popular perfume. It sounds as if you are talking about a particular formulation rather than generic “cologne,” but aren’t there still different versions and brands of “eau de Cologne?” Which is the one you like? ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/6 "2019-08-30T16:54:20Z")
I assume he means 4711? It’s fine, like any perfume just don’t bathe in it. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/7 "2019-08-30T17:20:37Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > I assume he means 4711? It’s fine, like any perfume just don’t bathe in it. Yes. This. I love it. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/8 "2019-08-30T18:28:29Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I’m a bit confused. Feel free to educate me. > > It sounds as if you are talking about a particular formulation rather than generic “cologne,” but aren’t there still different versions and brands of “eau de Cologne?” Which is the one you like? Yes, I was talking about [this specific fragrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_de_Cologne), which is very distinctive. There are some variations (lavender and “amber” being particularly widespread) but they’re all based on a combination of various citrus oils. I didn’t know about the American English usage. Definitely not what I meant. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/9 "2019-08-30T18:40:30Z")
Thanks for the clarification. My grandmother (born in 1899) had a number of different fragrances and brand names all labelled “Eau de Cologne”. So I read the OP as if it said “Gee, I sure do like perfume. Always thought perfume smelled great. Some people think it’s tacky, but what do you think? Do you like the smell of perfume?” ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/10 "2019-08-30T18:55:13Z")
> [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](#): > > Yes, I was talking about [this specific fragrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_de_Cologne), which is very distinctive. There are some variations (lavender and “amber” being particularly widespread) but they’re all based on a combination of various citrus oils. > > I didn’t know about the American English usage. Definitely not what I meant. I don’t know if it’s an American usage, so much as a scent/perfume industry thing. > **[Perfume Notes: what's the difference between a cologne, eau de toilette and...](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/skin/differences-between-eau-de-toilette-eau-de-parfum/)** > > When I meet perfume-lovers around the country (it goes with the job – one of my favourite bits, actually), there’s one question which comes up as if on some kind of loop: ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/11 "2019-08-30T19:06:38Z")
> [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](#): > > Yes, I was talking about [this specific fragrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_de_Cologne), which is very distinctive. That link, while acknowledging that 4711 is the original and most famous, also says > [@](#): > > In modern times, Eau de Cologne or “cologne”, has become a generic term. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/12 "2019-08-30T19:08:22Z")
> [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](#): > > Yes, I was talking about [this specific fragrance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_de_Cologne), which is very distinctive. There are some variations (lavender and “amber” being particularly widespread) but they’re all based on a combination of various citrus oils. > > I didn’t know about the American English usage. Definitely not what I meant. Thank you for the clarification – I was confused, as well. See [this section in the Wikipedia article on perfume](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume#Dilution_classes) (and dilution classes) for more information on the inconsistency in terminology around “eau de cologne” and “cologne,” particularly in the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/13 "2019-08-30T19:29:14Z")
Ha, I was confused, too. I usually prefer perfume to (generic) eau de cologne, because it lasts longer and usually smells better to me. I know about 4711, but I don’t think I’ve ever smelled it knowingly. But if it’s citrus-based I’d like to try it. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2019, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/14 "2019-08-30T19:38:36Z")
[This site](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/4711/4711-Original-Eau-de-Cologne-3256.html) says: > [@](#): > > 4711 Original Eau de Cologne by Maurer & Wirtz is a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women and men. 4711 Original Eau de Cologne was launched in 1792. The nose behind this fragrance is Wilhelm Muelhens. Top notes are orange oil, peach, basil, bergamot and lemon; middle notes are cyclamen, lily, melon, jasmine and bulgarian rose; base notes are patchouli, tahitian vetiver, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss and cedar. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2019, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/15 "2019-08-31T03:56:11Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > I assume he means 4711? It’s fine, like any perfume just don’t bathe in it. Exactly this. It should be a small part of your general presence, not an assault on the senses. A bit like the difference between a bit of glitter, a stage dress and a toreador’s costume. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2019, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/16 "2019-08-31T04:19:56Z")
What I like about 4711 is its ability to go from oops, too much! to a pleasant wafting scent as soon as it dries on your skin. I don’t like sickly sweet perfumes or colognes that are popular now. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/17 "2019-09-02T16:33:28Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > What I like about 4711 is its ability to go from oops, too much! to a pleasant wafting scent as soon as it dries on your skin. I don’t like sickly sweet perfumes or colognes that are popular now. 4711 is a classic that has been around for centuries, despite all those ingredients, it is light and refreshing if you just dab a little on. What is tacky is 99% of the cheap stink juice you can buy at the shop at the mall. Thousands of beautiful bottles and products, and it all smells like rotting fruit mixed with plug in air fresheners. It’s for the young, who recoil from the real perfumes as being too ‘old lady’ - not to mention far too expensive for them to buy. A nice version of 4711 sold there would be…well, nice! ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2019, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-eau-de-cologne-inherently-tacky/839478/18 "2019-09-02T17:33:27Z")
I thought this thread was about the skunk from the [King Leonardo](https://youtu.be/dcCmBGLP0LM) cartoons.