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Bling-bling is a slang referring to the Onomatopoeic "sound" produced in Animated Cartoons when light reflects off a diamond. ORIGINS The first apparent use of the term 'bling bling' in mainstream culture was in a hip hop track of the same title, by rappers in the UK, exploited this for humour. In 2005, the rapper B.G. remarked that he 'wished he'd patented the term' {Link without Title} so that he would have profited from its extensive use. The culture of ostentation and vulgar display of wealth was ingrained in roots, as it shows that the source of their wealth or their personal prejudices prevent them from investing in more stable assets such as Cash in the bank or Property . Hence 'bling bling', while widely regarded as a Faddish slang phrase, has been seen by some as manifestation of a deeper Socioeconomic problem in the US , trivialised by mainstream media and hip hop. For comparison, see Chav . CRITICISM Mainstream Hip Hop Music 's fixation on bling bling and other material and Luxury goods has led to much criticism from media pundits and musical critics. They charge that the phenomenon promotes Consumerism and Materialism , and strengthens Racist arguments that young African American men are incapable of higher or more virtuous or spiritual goals than material gain, reinforcing the '' Hood Rich '' stereotype. Some of the most vocal critics of "bling bling"-oriented music are so-called "alternative" Hip Hop artists. An example of this is the group Dead Prez , from "Hip Hop" {Link without Title} : :All y'all records sound the same :I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio :Same scenes in the video, monotonous material :Y'all don't hear me though :These record labels slang our tapes like dope :You can be next in line and signed; and still be writing rhymes and broke :You would rather have a Lexus or justice? a dream or some substance? :A Beamer ? a necklace? or freedom? In a 2004 television interview, rapper Missy Elliot spoke out against 'bling bling' culture, saying that it encouraged young African American men and women to spend their money irresponsibly. Missy stated that she believed it was important for hip hop artists to act as Role Model s in this respect, and encourage young people to invest responsibly and sensibly in stable, long term Assets such as Real Estate . LATER USE OF THE TERM The extreme proliferation of the term into the early 2000s inevitably led to a degrading of its hipness value. With Bling-bling 1997-2004". The clip thus simultaneously recognizes the term's once attainment of an unusual level of popularity while cleverly underscoring the term's perceived aspect of "tiredness" in the current youth culture. Today, it is rare to find a mainstream rapper who uses the term in anything but a sarcastic or joking manner. In Latin Hip-hop (and Reggaeton from both Puerto Rico and Panama), rappers also use the term, but it is usually written/pronounced as "blin-blin". Also, "blinblineo" means bling-bling style or bling-bling life-style. Several Cadillac Escalade billboards and magazine advertisments used the phrase "Bling Bling" to promote the expensive vehicle. The Shorter English Dictionary added "Bling-bling" as a new entry in its fifth edition (2002). The wine cooler MD 20/20, also known as "Mad Dog," has recently marketed a flavor called 'Bling Bling Blue Raspberry' in an attempt to attract a more youthful and affluent demographic. RELATED MEANING In Southwest Asia , counterfeit brand-name goods (such as Rolex watches) are known as ''bling bling specials''. MISS BLINGINS Miss Bling, Ms Blingin, Miss Blingin, Miss Blingins, ''Miss Blingins World of Jewelry'', all characterise young single women who like to wear the latest jewelry and fashion accessories made popular by hip hop culture. Some people refer to this persona as ''The World of Miss Blingins''. SEE ALSO
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