Understanding What Makes Someone Cool

Throughout various stages of life, many individuals find themselves striving to attain a sense of coolness. The pursuit of being perceived as cool often influences our choices in fashion, hobbies, the companies we keep, and even our vocabulary.

The Allure of Being Cool

Being part of the ‘cool’ crowd often comes with distinct advantages. Research indicates that those considered cool are typically admired and viewed as more friendly, competent, and attractive. But what exactly constitutes coolness?

A Brief History of Coolness

The concept of cool has deep historical roots. Ideas comparable to coolness can be traced back to various cultures, including traditional communities in West Africa and China. In European history, the term has its lineage from the 16th-century Italian notion of sprezzatura, which encapsulates an effortless, aristocratic demeanor. A classic example is the Mona Lisa, characterized by her poised elegance and subtle mystery.

This elegantly understated form of cool promotes the idea of nonchalance and the mastery of appearing effortlessly competent.

The Risks of Trying Too Hard

An important lesson many learn is that trying too hard to be cool can backfire. Almost everyone can recall instances where excessive attempts at impressing others resulted in cringe-worthy moments—like watching former British Prime Minister Theresa May attempt to dance at a conference.

The Evolution of Cool Vocabulary

Slang terms for coolness frequently shift over time, with expressions like rad, hip, and dope becoming popular momentarily. However, the term ‘cool’ has demonstrated remarkable longevity.

This use of ‘cool’ as a synonym for fashionability dates back to the 1930s and 1940s within African-American culture, especially in the jazz community. Musicians known for their restrained, relaxed style came to be labeled as cool, a term later embraced by the beatniks and hippies of the 1950s and 60s. Over time, businesses have commodified this idea, branding everything from clothing to technology with the concept of coolness.

Qualities of Coolness in 2026

What defines coolness in today’s world? A recent comprehensive study involving researchers from Chile and the U.S. surveyed nearly 6,000 people across six continents, asking them to identify key traits of cool individuals. The findings revealed that cool people typically exhibit six core attributes: power, hedonism, adventure, autonomy, openness, and extroversion. These qualities, however, need to be expressed thoughtfully; excessive displays of hedonism or ambition can lead to perceptions of being uncool.

The universality of these attributes suggests that coolness fulfills a fundamental social function, instigating innovation, challenging norms, and inspiring social change.

Alternative Traits: Being Good vs. Being Cool

For those who may not wish to chase after coolness, the study also identified traits associated with being perceived as ‘good’ rather than cool. Qualities such as calmness, conscientiousness, agreeability, and warmth can also impress others, offering worthwhile alternatives to the pursuit of coolness.

This article addresses the inquiry about the essence of coolness, originally posed by Jonathan Schaefer from Wakefield.

For more fascinating insights, explore our ultimate fun facts page.