Definition
A piece of jewelry inserted through a pierced nostril or septum, worn as a form of self-expression, cultural identification, or fashion statement; historically significant in many cultures and adopted by Western countercultures as a symbol of individuality and rebellion.
Example Usage
The musician's gold nose ring was part of her bold alternative aesthetic that set her apart from mainstream performers.
Origin
Nose rings have ancient roots in Middle Eastern, Indian, and African cultures for thousands of years; Western countercultures adopted them in the 1970s-80s as a marker of punk, New Age, and alternative identity.
Fun Fact
While nose rings are now widely accepted as mainstream fashion, they were controversial enough in 1990s Western culture that some schools and employers banned them, making them a genuine symbol of youthful rebellion.
Related Terms
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