normcore

1 of 2

adjective

norm·​core ˈnȯrm-ˌkȯr 

: ordinary, everyday, unexceptional

This normcore concerto isn't the most exciting piece, but it's … attractively orchestrated …

—Natasha Gauthier

… we're likely to start seeing a shift to some sort of awkward normcore performance stuff that these AIs couldn't really do

—@gavinpurcell, on X, formerly Twitter

… he's been in seminars where academics "insulted the Smithsonian as being the normcore, boring, uncool, reactionary museum," [former Smithsonian historian David] Ward said.

—Lisa Hornung

especially : reflecting the style or category of normcore

It's modern … with a non-ironic normcore twist, in which basics and plain clothing become centerpieces of your style and with it, your lifestyle.

—TimeOut.com

normcore

2 of 2

noun

: a style or category characterized by things that are purposely chosen for being ordinary, everyday, or unexceptional

… when MFG opened two restaurants in the landmark Seagram Building, back in 2017, The Grill, helmed by Carbone, was a temple to New York normcore, while Torrisi's The Pool was a more ambitious seafood restaurant …

—Brett Martin

Highlighting the trend, BabyCentre's Baby Name expert SJ Strum explained: "While there's been a huge rise in unique names, each trend has its counter and among all the modern, quirkier choices, 'normcore' is having a quiet revival …".

—Julia Banim and Georgia Burns

especially : a fashion or decorating aesthetic that is accessible, inexpensive, or unremarkable and ordinary

Anyway … normcore has taught us that there is such a thing as being too casual.

—Zaychishka Style

… his … no-frills aesthetic falls in with major fashion movements of the past few years, from normcore to athleisure, utilitarian to unisex and, of course, authenticity.

—Courtney Shea

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

norm + -core (in hardcore, soft-core)

Noun

derivative of normcore entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

2008, in the meaning defined above

Noun

2013, in the meaning defined above