Brown: trendy back-to-school color

Let it be hazelnut like at Les pensionnaires or chocolat , brown is definitely the trendy color of this 2021 back-to-school season (according to fashion and decor specialists). In bowling bags , totes or toiletry bags , brown is a bit of our current hobby. So we're taking the opportunity to take a look at its origin and meaning through all the shades of brown. Since at Les pensionnaires we love expressions, we'll share two with you around brown at the end of this article!

The origin of brown and its meaning

Derived from the eponymous fruit, the use of the word brown only dates back to the 18th century. In fact, before that, its brother “ le brun ” was used instead. The word “brown” comes from the German braun, which originally referred to the color of the bear coat .

Leather, wood, chocolate, coffee,… brown is a noble, warm and comforting color. It has also embodied violence since the German Assault Squads chose to wear their brown shirts in the 1920s.

Brown in home decor

In decoration, brown evokes a warm interior and elegant. This color is found in raw materials such as wood or earth. It embodies a return to sources, to simple and natural things. We recommend: the marriage of brown with white for a refined result and a spirit design deco . Think of our large blanket in immaculate white cotton gauze and its matching maxi cushion to bring light to your interior!

Afraid of making a mistake? Opt for the taupe , a timeless color, halfway between gray and brown.

Brown, a fashion trend

Brown is THE color of the start of the school year according to fashion gurus. It is even on the verge of dethroning black. As with decoration, if you are afraid to get started, start by adopting brown in small touches! Why not opt ​​for our Hazelnut bowling bag in thick canvas organic cotton ? To be combined with a white outfit or shades of beige. For the more daring, dare the total look by playing on its nuances. We choose a glazed brown coat, a taupe sweater, chocolate pants and our large hazelnut tote bag to complete and accessorize the outfit!

Expressions around brown

• To be brown

This expression means to be tricked. Its meaning is historical because the Spanish term “ cimarrón ” translated as “ savage ”. During the slavery period, this word qualified slaves, designated thus because of their skin color. The marooning referred to the practice of those who tried to escape and who were, very often, caught and punished. They were therefore said to be very brown.

• Pulling the chestnuts out of the fire

Today, the latter means back off (just another expression to define the meaning of an expression, not bad, right?). It refers to knowing how to take advantage of a given situation. But be careful, its meaning is no longer the same as before. Indeed, the expression popularized by Jean de la Fontaine in The Sign and the Cat designated the opposite attitude. Initially, it translated into the fact of giving oneself trouble solely for the benefit of others.