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a trendy, materialistic young woman from suburban California, stereotyped for shallow interests and speaking in uptalk
SlangWhat is the origin and meaning of the phrase "valley girl"?
The slang term valley girl refers to a stereotype of a young, fashion-conscious, and often affluent woman from the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, who is perceived as superficial, materialistic, and preoccupied with social status, shopping, and appearance. The image is closely tied to a distinctive speech pattern known as "Valleyspeak," characterized by frequent use of the word "like," uptalk, and a nasal tone. The stereotype emerged in the late 1970s and became widely recognized in the early 1980s, popularized by media portrayals, most notably Frank Zappa's 1982 novelty song "Valley Girl" featuring his daughter Moon Unit Zappa. Over time, the term has broadened beyond its geographic roots to describe similar personalities or speech styles anywhere, though it still carries its California cultural associations.
