# model or SUPER model

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 15, 2001, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562 "2001-10-15T20:46:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2001, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562/1 "2001-10-15T20:46:44Z")

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What the HELL is the difference between models and super models?

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**Author:** ![slipster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@slipster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slipster)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2001, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562/2 "2001-10-15T20:57:53Z")

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There’s no certification process involved that I’m aware of, but basically it appears that a model gets away with being called a super model if he or she has major celebrity status (and the income that goes along with it) as a consequence of their modeling.

It’s interesting to reflect that in earlier times the ranks of the truly famous were occupied largely by people who (rightly or wrongly), were viewed as heroes. Where an earlier generation concerned itself with the comings and goings of Charles Lindbergh, Albert Einstein and Babe Ruth, today the media focuses its attention in large part on the women who appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

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**Author:** ![Yarster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/7c8e57/32.png) [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2001, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562/3 "2001-10-15T22:15:27Z")

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I’d say ‘supermodel’ status is attained when:

1. The average person on the street knows the person’s name if you were to show them a picture

2. The person is able to do other entertainment mediums because he/ she is a recognizable model (i.e. get away with starring in movies because of their model status). Note: It is a virtual guarantee all such movies will suck something fierce, however.

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**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2001, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-or-super-model/87562/4 "2001-10-15T22:28:26Z")

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supermodels never have to do porno or become waitresses to earn money.

the average guy has a chance (slim though it be) to score with a model.