branchés

Branchés is a French term used as both adjective and noun to describe people or things that are connected in a figurative sense: fashionable, in the know, or part of the urban social or cultural scene. As an adjective, branché (masc.) or branchée (fem.) denotes someone stylish or trend-aware; the plural branchés refers to a group presumed to share that status. The noun form un/une branché describes an individual with such associations.

Etymology: The word derives from brancher, meaning to connect or plug in. Metaphorically, to be branché is to be connected to the latest developments, networks, or the 'in' crowd.

Usage: In contemporary French, branché describes fashion, venues, or media that appeal to an urban audience. Phrases such as un quartier branché or un lieu branché are common, and the noun branché refers to a trend-conscious person; feminine/masculine forms align with grammar.

Nuance: The term carries a nuance of exclusivity and modernity; it can be complimentary or mildly ironic depending on context and tone. It is often contrasted with ringard (old-fashioned) or démodé (out of fashion).

See also: à la mode; tendance; hipster; culture urbaine. The expression appears in journalism, advertising, and literature to evoke contemporary urban life.