The term „Granola Boy“ has become a real trendy term in recent years. It describes a generation of young people who do not want to be called „hippsters“ and who differ from them in their lifestyle and thinking. „Granola Boys“ often have a preference for healthy and natural food and are characterised by a strong environmental awareness. The „Granola Boys“ as a whole come with many stereotypes that are strongly oriented towards veganism and climate activism.
Since the term „Granola Boy“ is now increasingly used on social media and in written and spoken language, it will be the subject of the following article. Within the individual sections, a detailed definition of the term, information on the history, main characteristics of „Granola Boys“ and critical reflections will be provided.
What are „Granola Boys“? Meaning, explanation, definition
The term „Granola Boy“ is composed of the two English nouns „Granola“ and „Boy“. Combined, „Granola Boy“ can therefore be translated as „granola boy“. This indicates a young person (or man of any age) who has a preference for the food „granola“. Granola is a food made from various grains, nuts, seeds and other healthy ingredients.
The food itself has gained an extensive amount of popularity (especially in the English-speaking world) within the last few years. In this country, „granola“ can be roughly compared to „crunchy muesli“.
„Granola boy“ can be used as a pejorative or derogatory term for a boy or man who eats consciously and healthily. The term is primarily used by people under 30 and is considered a trendy term, which is why it tends to be less familiar to older people.
Interpretation of the term „Granola Boy“
Granola is a food rich in high-quality ingredients such as whole grains, nuts and honey, which provide the body with a lot of energy and are beneficial to its health. Those who eat „granola“ regularly are predicted to have positive effects on their health. In this context, „granola boys“ are said to be consciously aware of their health and to try to influence it positively through their healthy diet. However, this does not necessarily only have to happen through the consumption of granola, but can also extend to other foods.
Overall, a „Granola Boy“ is seen as sustainable, health-oriented and, not least because of this, often effeminate, not swashbuckling and not very masculine. „Granola Boy“ is often used in this context to mock someone who follows a sustainable, eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle.
History and development of the term „Granola Boy“
Although „Granola Boy“ is a fairly recent trend term, it has been around since the early 1960s, when it functioned as an alternative term for „hippie“. Granola was also considered a very popular food in the hippie movement back then. However, the „Granola Boys“ were considered a subculture among the hippies because they renounced the drugs so typical of the scene, such as LSD.
In the course of the 1980s up to the present day, the environmental protection component was added, which the „Granola Boys“ advocated more and more, or rather were enthusiastic about. Within the last few years, the term „Granola Boy“ has also become established as a stereotypical term for young people who live an alternative lifestyle. This usually unites a strong commitment to environmental protection, sustainability and the avoidance of animal (and potentially unhealthy) foods.
Main characteristics of a Granola Boy
Granola Boys are considered to have different personality traits, interests, hobbies and lifestyles. These will be explained in more detail in the following sub-sections.
Personality traits
A „Granola Boy“ has a nature-loving, environmentally conscious, animal-loving and health-oriented personality. He values sustainability, which for the „Granola Boy“ refers to the environment, his body and social commitment. Often, „Granola Boys“ are therefore also politically committed to their ideals. Furthermore, a „Granola Boy“ often has a great interest in alternative art, music or literature. Granola Boys also have a great sense of justice.
Interests and hobbies
„Granola Boys often have healthy hobbies that are close to nature, such as yoga, soft hiking, jogging, cycling, hiking and climbing. They are also passionate about organic gardening (and sometimes grow their own food). Furthermore, „Granola Boys“ are interested in alternative medicine and keeping their own bodies healthy. Overall, their hobbies and interests are very much geared towards sustainability and environmental protection, thus clearly contributing to their inner values and beliefs.
Lifestyle
„Granola Boys“ prefer natural and biologically sustainable products and are often vegetarian or vegan. In addition, their everyday life is characterised by sporting activity, meditation and not owning a car. Instead, the „Granola Boy“ prefers public transport to minimise his „biological footprint“. „Granola Boys“ also frequently practice self-reflection and are overall in search of a healthy, long and fulfilling life in harmony with nature.
Criticisms of „Granola Boys“
In spite of the „Granola Boys'“ views on the environment, sustainability and health, which are in themselves quite desirable, there are also many people who strongly criticise them. They often criticise the lack of masculinity and a swashbuckling temperament that is missing in „Granola Boys“. Others criticise „Granola Boys“ for their dogmatic and moralising attitude. To many outsiders, this seems very restrictive and unworldly. In addition, the attitude of „Granola Boys“ is often seen as a certain devaluation of conventional lifestyles.
Conclusion on the topic of „Granola Boy“
In summary, it can be said that „Granola Boys“ represent a subculture that attaches great importance to environmental protection, health and ecologically sustainable nutrition. They also show great social and political commitment and are often criticised by outsiders. Common criticisms are the lack of masculinity and the supposed oddness that the „Granola Boys“ lifestyle conveys.
Closely related to the term „Granola Boys“ are, among others, the terms „Treehugger“ or „Eco-Warrior“. While „treehugger“ is a rather derogatory term for a person who is strongly committed to environmental protection, „eco-warrior“ can be used as a derisive term for an environmental activist. Less so, however, do both terms share a preference for healthy eating, as is the case with a „Granola Boy“, for example.