glamour

Glamour is a quality of allure, charm, and beauty that evokes admiration or desire, often accompanied by a sense of mystique or sophistication. It is not merely physical attractiveness but a combination of presence, style, and aura that makes a person or object stand out. The term is used in fashion, film, literature, and advertising to describe an aspirational, lavish appeal.

The word glamour comes from Scottish English, originally meaning magic, enchantment, or a spell; the sense of seductive appeal developed in the early to mid-20th century in relation to film stars and nightlife. Spelled glamour in British English and glamor in American English; the two forms are variants of the same sense, with glamour commonly associated with spectacle and sophistication, while glamor is sometimes used as a more casual or abbreviated form.

During Hollywood's golden era, glamour described star quality that went beyond beauty, including poise, fashion, and public persona. Fashion houses and magazines cultivated glamour through lighting, wardrobe, and marketing; glamour photography emphasizes glossy, idealized visuals. The term also developed into a broader cultural category describing a lifestyle or aesthetic rather than a single individual: glamorous hotels, events, or destinations.

Some critics view glamour as a negotiated performance that reinforces ideals of femininity and consumerism, while supporters argue it signals confidence, craftsmanship, and storytelling. In contemporary usage, glamour can be linked to both high fashion and self-presentation on social media, with glam used as a shortened term in casual contexts.