bluestocking

[ bloo-stok-ing ]

noun

1. a woman with considerable scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability or interest.
2. a member of a mid-18th-century London literary circle:

   Lady Montagu was a celebrated bluestocking.

bluestocking

/ ˈbluːˌstɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a scholarly or intellectual woman

Other Words From

• bluestocking·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluestocking¹

1675–85; so called from the informal attire, especially blue woolen instead of black silk stockings, worn by some women of the group bluestocking ( def 2 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluestocking¹

from the blue worsted stockings worn by members of a C18 literary society

Example Sentences

Other instructive synonyms for women include: “delectable bohemian little kumquats”; “little amuse-bouche”; “willowy lingerie models”; “cute little bluestockings”; “stacked miracles”; “dynamite blondes”.

From The Guardian

The Queen Mother, who knew a lot about social climbing, had a particular fear of the Queen becoming a bluestocking.

From The Guardian

There’s the confirmed rake, the bluestocking spinster, the runaway bride, the runaway dog.

From New York Times

The increased cultural presence of minorities and “bluestocking” women and trans people, by virtue of making conservative audiences uncomfortable, is thus too political, symptomatic of liberalism’s encroachment upon all corners of the public sphere.

From Salon

Oh, and don’t forget a sandwich or some bluestocking coffee at Redband Coffee Company for a pick-me-up.

From Washington Times