jet-set
UK[ˈdʒet set]US[ˈdʒet set]
n
The international social group of wealthy people who travel frequently for pleasure
adj
Of or relating to the jet set or its lifestyle
Morpheme Breakdown
jet
set
jet
jet aircraft
set
social group
Etymology
The term 'jet-set' is a modern compound, originating in the mid-20th century. It directly combines 'jet', referring to the newly prevalent jet aircraft that enabled rapid international travel, with 'set', a long-established term for a distinctive social group. The compound literally means "the social group defined by using jet travel," capturing the exclusive, glamorous, and peripatetic lifestyle of the affluent post-war era. Its evolution from two simple English words perfectly illustrates how technological advancement (jet travel) creates new social categories and the vocabulary to describe them.
Analysis
Structure: jet (jet aircraft) + set (social group)
- jet: English, from the noun 'jet' (a jet engine or aircraft). Functional role: Specifies the mode of travel.
- set: English, from the noun 'set' (a group of people with shared interests or social status). Functional role: Denotes the social collective.
Examples
The resort is a popular destination for the international jet-set.
They lead a glamorous, jet-set lifestyle, hopping between capitals.
The magazine chronicled the parties and travels of the 1960s jet set.