Jet-Setter: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
December 2, 2023

A "jet-setter" is a wealthy and fashionable person who travels a lot for pleasure. It often describes people who enjoy luxury, glamour, and exotic destinations.

In short:

  • A "jet-setter" is someone who has a lot of money and style, and likes to travel often for fun.

What Does "Jet-Setter" Mean?

The idiom "jet-setter" refers to someone who belongs to the jet set, an international social group of wealthy people who travel the world to participate in social activities unavailable to ordinary people. These people are successful, fashionable, and adventurous. They often visit glamorous resorts, attend exclusive parties, and mingle with celebrities and royalty. They are not shy about publicity and enjoy being in the spotlight. However, they are sometimes seen as superficial, snobbish, and wasteful.

Where Does "Jet-Setter" Come From?

The idiom "jet-setter" originated in the late 1950s, when commercial jet travel became more accessible and popular. Before that, air travel was mostly limited to the upper class, who could afford the expensive fares and enjoy the comfort and speed of flying.

10 Examples of "Jet-Setter" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

  • He's a jet-setter by day and a philanthropist by night.
  • They met at a jet-setter party in Ibiza and fell in love.
  • She's a jet-setter who knows how to dress for every occasion.
  • Real talk: He's a jet-setter who enjoys the finer things in life.
  • She's always been a jet-setter since she inherited her father's fortune.
  • He's not a jet-setter; he's just a businessman who travels a lot for work.
  • He loves his job as a travel writer but doesn't consider himself a jet-setter.
  • She's a jet-setter who has visited over 50 countries and speaks five languages.
  • She's not impressed by his jet-setter lifestyle; she prefers a simple and quiet life.
  • The magazine featured the wedding of two famous jet-setters in a lavish ceremony in Monaco.

Examples of "Jet-Setter" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • "Jet Set" is a French comedy film released in 2000 and directed by Fabien Onteniente. The film is about a bar owner trying to save his business by attracting the jet set, the rich and fashionable people who travel for pleasure. He sends his failed actor friend to infiltrate high society and contact celebrities. The film is a satire on the French elite and their lifestyle.
  • "Jetsetter" by Morningwood is a rock song from their self-titled debut album, released in 2006. The song is about a girl who becomes famous and travels a lot but misses her home and lover. The song is written as a letter from the girl to her lover, expressing her mixed feelings about her jet-set lifestyle.
  • The 1968 TV series "The Jet Set" was a game show where contestants had to answer questions about geography and culture while traveling to different locations.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Jet-Setter"

Here are some synonyms and alternative ways to say this phrase:

  • VIP
  • Celebrity
  • Socialite
  • High-flyer
  • Trendsetter
  • Globetrotter
  • Cosmopolitan
  • World traveler

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Jet-Setter"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

  • What does "jet-setter" mean?

A "jet-setter" is a wealthy and fashionable person who travels a lot for pleasure. It often describes people who enjoy luxury, glamour, and exotic destinations.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "jet-setter"?

The idiom "jet-setter" originated in the late 1950s, when commercial jet travel became more accessible and popular.

  • Is "jet-setter" a compliment or an insult?

It depends on the context and tone. Some people may use "jet-setter" to compliment someone's success, style, or adventurousness. Others may use it as an insult to criticize someone's superficiality, snobbery, or wastefulness.

  • Can anyone be a "jet-setter"?

While the term is often associated with the wealthy, anyone who travels frequently, whether for business or pleasure, can be considered a "jet-setter."

  • What's the difference between a "jet-setter" and a "frequent traveler"?

A "jet-setter" often conveys a sense of luxury and extravagance in their travels, while a "frequent traveler" simply travels often, which may not necessarily involve luxury.

  • Are all "jet-setters" wealthy?

Not necessarily. Some "jet-setters" are wealthy, but others may have jobs that require frequent travel, making them appear as "jet-setters" without significant wealth.

  • Is being a "jet-setter" all about traveling on private jets?

While traveling on private jets is associated with the "jet-set" lifestyle, it's not a strict requirement. Commercial flights to luxurious destinations can also make someone a "jet-setter."

  • What are some characteristics of a typical "jet-setter's" lifestyle?

"Jet-setters" often enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining, exotic destinations, and may attend high-profile events or parties.

  • Is being a "jet-setter" environmentally responsible?

The frequent use of air travel, particularly on long-haul flights, can have a significant environmental impact. Many discussions revolve around the environmental responsibility of "jet-setters."

  • Can you use "jet-setter" in a sentence?

Of course! Here's an example: "As a successful entrepreneur, she had become a true jet-setter, traveling to exotic destinations and staying in the finest hotels around the world."

Final Thoughts About "Jet-Setter"

The idiom "jet-setter" is not just about traveling the world but also about living a particular lifestyle that is glamorous, exciting, and desirable. However, it has some drawbacks, such as being superficial, snobbish, or wasteful.

Some key points to remember about the idiom:

  • A "jet-setter" is a wealthy and fashionable person who travels a lot for pleasure.
  • The term was coined in the late 1950s by a journalist who wrote about the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
  • The idiom often describes people who enjoy luxury, glamour, and exotic destinations.
  • It has some synonyms, alternative ways, and related expressions that can be used interchangeably.

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