Ridiculous History
Victorians Got Super Weird With Flirting, Part Two: Courtship and Calling Cards
Feb 6, 2025
Dive into the quirkiness of Victorian flirting, where calling cards took center stage as a covert language of romance. Explore the hilariously intricate rituals of courtship, from cheeky messages on cards to dance card drama. Discover how these historical customs contrast with today’s dating scene, highlighting evolving gender roles and societal expectations. Engage in lighthearted anecdotes that reveal both the absurdity and charm of love in a repressive era, as well as the playful twists on modern romantic expression.
37:10
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Quick takeaways
- Victorian flirting was a complex dance of coded signals and subtle gestures, reflecting the era's strict social norms surrounding courtship.
- Escort cards served as a clever tool for discreet communication of romantic interest, highlighting the playful yet repressive nature of Victorian social interactions.
Deep dives
Victorian Flirting Techniques
Victorian flirting involved a variety of coded signals and subtlety driven by strict societal norms. Fans were used not just as style accessories but as a means of communication; for example, placing a fan on the right ear conveyed a specific romantic message. This use of fan codes resembled modern concepts of 'looks maxing,' emphasizing the importance of presentation in flirtation. The intricacies of these codes reflected the era's restrictive behaviors, as people had to navigate courtship within the confines of decorum and expected propriety.
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