CultureJuly 6, 2026
ingenue
/ˈænʒənuː/
Definition
A young, innocent, or inexperienced performer who quickly rises to prominence, often serving as a fresh face that eventually displaces more established stars.
Etymology
Borrowed from the French 'ingénue,' meaning 'innocent' or 'naive,' which is the feminine form of the adjective 'ingénu.' It entered English in the mid-19th century to describe a specific stock character in theater or film.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the cyclical nature of stardom in Hollywood, specifically how new, up-and-coming artists naturally replace established veterans.
How Lizzo Became One of Pop Culture’s Great Flops
Read the full article ↗The Atlantic