This word has been popping up in TV commercials and such. What is it?
“They’re coming to take me away ha-ha, ho-ho, hee-hee, to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time… :)” - Napoleon IV
diva is italian for “Goddess”
It is one of the many terms used to describe the leading lady in an opera, also known as a “prima donna” (first lady), etc.
These days, the word is often applied to any female star–usually a singer (thus the VH1 “divas” concerts)–and it sometimes has negative connotations (ie. the person is difficult, bossy, narcissistic). It is usually a compliment, though, implying that the person in question has a star quality–capable of carrying a show by herself.
Diva is also a great french suspense movie by Jean-Jacques Beineix, starring Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Frédéric Andréi, Richard Bohringer and An Luu Thuy, based on the novel by Delacorta.
Or, it could be the feminine form of devo, meaning “devolved one.” And, when applied to the vocal stylings of such as Mariah Carey and Whitney!, I know which theory I support.
I’m your only friend
I’m not your only friend
But I’m a little glowing friend
But really I’m not actually your friend
But I am
FOX called Brittney Spears a “diva” today in a news commercial. Sheesh. I always thought that you at least had to be around a full year or so before claiming diva status. Not that I listen to anyone who claims the title anyway.
“I guess one person can make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn’t.”
No, no, no. A person cannot be a diva until she is so baptized by the gay community, being the acknowledged arbiters of taste and pretentiousness. So Judy Garland makes the cut, but Britney Spears? Puh-leeze.
Just a tiny bit off topic. But still related. Erika Amato is a diva.
I think calling any woman pop singer a “Diva” may have started a couple of years ago when started doing “Divas” concerts. I saw part of the first one, which had Aretha Franklin (a true diva by any account), Carole King (not what I usually think of as a diva, but maybe), Mariah Carey (arguable, if you really really stretch the defination), Gloria Estefan (you’re getting colder), and Celene Dion (not even anywhere close to a diva). At the end of the show, they did a number where they all sang together, and it became blindingly obvious that Aretha was THE Diva, and everyone else was little better than a cheesy back-up singer compared to Aretha.
Last year the show was Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Cher, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Leann Rimes, Faith Hill, and (by golly) Elton John. The only one on that list even close to diva-hood is Tina Turner, simply for sheer outrageousness (or perhaps Sir Elton, if you must).
This year’s show is a tribute to Diana Ross, who clearly makes the grade. However the rest of the divas, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, and Donna Summer, just don’t cut it (well, maybe Donna Summer). Anyway, for more info see www.vh1.com
In summary, there’s been some serious deflation in the standards of divahood going on.
Traditionally it meant a world class singer, someone whose talent would be remembered for centuries after death.
These days it applies to anyone who sells a few thousand CD’s and makes it to the Top Ten on Much or MTV…Deflation is a serious understatement!
It’s like saying a “genius” is someone who could tie a shoelace before age 10…