Guido

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The following article contains and discusses content that may be distressing to some readers.
Reason for Warning: This page documents a subculture associated with the term "Guido," which is considered a derogatory classist and ethnic slur by many Italian-Americans. The content explicitly discusses ethnic stereotypes and themes of machismo, aggressive behavior, and conspicuous hedonism (nightlife, excessive alcohol use). The term should not be used by individuals outside of the community it describes. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Guido
The cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore"' who popularized a specific version of the Guido/Guidette aesthetic in the late 2000s.
Other names	Guidette (feminine), Cugine, Goomba
Decade of origin	1970s
Location of origin	East Coast, United States (primarily New York, New Jersey)
Key motifs	Gym, tanning, laundry (GTL), gold chains, rosaries, Italian flags, luxury cars, nightclubs, designer brands
Key colours	Varies, often features bold colors, animal prints, and the colors of the Italian flag (red, white, green)
Key values	Italian-American pride, masculinity (machismo), vanity, group loyalty, conspicuous consumption
Related aesthetics	Baddie Bimbocore Chav Disco Greaser McBling Post-Grunge Maximalism

Guido and Guidette are terms for a subculture of working-class Italian-Americans that is primarily associated with the East Coast of the United States, particularly New York and New Jersey. The aesthetic is defined by a strong emphasis on appearance, including a muscular physique for men, tanned skin, specific hairstyles, and an affinity for flashy, designer-label clothing and gold jewelry.

The term "Guido" itself is highly controversial. While some within the subculture use it as a light-hearted, self-identifying label, it is considered a derogatory ethnic slur by many other Italian-Americans. The subculture gained international notoriety in the late 2000s through its depiction on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore, which focused on a caricature of the lifestyle.

History

While the term "Guido" has existed for decades, the modern subculture traces its aesthetic origins to the 1970s. It evolved from the 1950s greaser look and crystallized with the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever. The character of Tony Manero, played by John Travolta, established a new archetype of a cool, working-class Italian-American male centered on disco music, dancing, and meticulous grooming. This provided a cultural touchstone for young Italian-Americans to create their own standard of style, distinct from mainstream American ideals.

The subculture remained a regional phenomenon until the late 2000s, when it was amplified and heavily stereotyped by the MTV show Jersey Shore. The show's cast codified the "Gym, Tan, Laundry" (GTL) ritual and brought a specific, exaggerated version of the aesthetic to a global audience, making it a prominent part of Y2K and McBling-era pop culture.

Fashion and Aesthetic

The Guido/Guidette aesthetic is centered on a highly curated and conspicuous presentation of the self. It values looking expensive, physically fit, and meticulously groomed.

Men (Guidos)

The male look emphasizes traditional masculinity and physical prowess. A muscular, well-built physique is central, maintained through the ritual of "GTL" (Gym, Tan, Laundry). Hairstyles are heavily styled, with the most famous being the "blowout" or other spiky looks held in place with large amounts of hair gel. Fashion includes designer tracksuits (Fila, etc.), tight-fitting shirts from brands like Ed Hardy and Affliction, and expensive jeans (see also Post-Grunge Maximalism). Accessories are key, with flashy gold chains (often with a crucifix or Italian horn), rosaries, and diamond earrings being staples.

Women (Guidettes)

The female look is equally glamorous and high-maintenance. A deep, dark tan, often achieved through tanning beds, is essential. Hair is typically long, straightened or styled in "barrel curls" with the signature "poof" hairstyle at the crown, made famous by Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi. Makeup is heavy, with an emphasis on smokey eyes, glossy lips, and thick bronzer. Clothing is form-fitting and often features animal prints or logos from luxury brands like Gucci and mid-tier brands like Ed Hardy. Long, decorated acrylic nails are prominent.

Criticism

The Guido/Guidette subculture has been subject to criticism and debate, both within and outside the Italian-American community. Many Italian-Americans view the term "guido" as a deeply offensive slur and see the associated aesthetic as a harmful caricature that reinforces negative stereotypes of working-class people of their ethnicity.

The portrayal of the subculture on Jersey Shore was particularly controversial. While it brought the aesthetic to global fame, critics argue that the show isolated and fetishized a single, homogenous identity in order to mock it. The show's focus on partying, fighting, and "shock TV mayhem" was protested by numerous Italian-American organizations for promoting a negative and one-dimensional image. The association became so strong that some luxury brands reportedly offered to pay cast members to stop wearing their clothing, believing the connection was "contrary to the aspirational nature" of their brand and could be distressing to their customers.

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