Diva
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2008-07-15T19:45:30Z
Marioh13
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/* In Gay Iconography */
{{dablink|For other senses of this word, see [[diva (disambiguation)]].}}
A '''diva''' is a term usually used to describe a celebrated female singer or actor. The term was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. It derives from the [[Italian language|Italian]] word 'diva' meaning "[[goddess]]" or "fine lady"[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=diva]. ''[[Time Magazine|TIME]]'' magazine observed in its October 21, 2002 issue: "By definition, a diva was originally used for great female opera singers, almost always [[soprano]]s."
In [[ballet]], the equivalent of a diva is a [[prima ballerina assoluta]].
==Negative connotation==
The term is often used with a negative connotation. This derives from the implication that a star who is a "diva" is arrogant, difficult to work with, [[wikt:high-maintenance|high-maintenance]], manipulative, fussy, highly strung, privileged and demanding. He or she does not believe the law and accepted rules of courtesy apply to him or her. Professional actors often use this term to describe someone who desires the stage spotlight over others. Actress [[Debra Winger]] has been described as the "biggest diva in Hollywood".
The term "[[prima donna]]" has similarly entered common usage with exactly the same negative meaning.
==In the African American community==
In the African American community the word "diva" is often used to describe a female singer of powerful presence. [[Mariah Carey]], [[Billie Holiday]], [[Aretha Franklin]], [[Bessie Smith]], [[Mahalia Jackson]], and [[Pearl Bailey]] have all been referred to as divas.
==In Gay Iconography==
The [[gay]] male community has adopted the word "diva" to describe many female [[gay icons]] known for their strong presence. Among women often labeled as divas are [[Cher]], [[Madonna]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Joan Crawford]],[[ Whitney Houston]] and [[Bette Davis]]. Although related to the African American community's definition of diva, gay icon divas are not all necessarily singers.
==Professional wrestling==
The term [[WWE Diva|Diva]] is also often used in [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] to describe its more well-known female performers, such as [[Mickie James]], [[Candice Michelle]], [[Melina Perez]] and [[Torrie Wilson]].
==See also==
*[[VH1 Divas]]
*[[Elite Beat Agents]]
== External links ==
*[http://www.filmmuseum.at/jart/projects/fm/main.jart?rel=en&content-id=1179487943897 Laughing Bodies, Eccentric Gestures]; Retrospective on Female comics and Divas in the films of the 1910s at the [http://www.filmmuseum.at/ Austrian Film Museum]
*[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1003495,00.html The New-Diva Disease]; TIME Magazine article
*[http://divas-spain.com Divas Spanish Operatic pop]Divas website (Spanish)
[[Category:Musical terminology]]
[[Category:Opera terminology]]
[[Category:Italian loanwords]]
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