Handlebar moustache explained

Handlebar moustache should not be confused with Horseshoe moustache.

A handlebar moustache is a moustache with particularly lengthy and upwardly curved extremities. These moustache styles are named for their resemblance to the handlebars of a bicycle.[1] It is also known as a spaghetti moustache, because of its stereotypical association with Italian men.[2] [3] The Handlebar Club humorously describes the style as "a hirsute appendage of the upper lip and with graspable extremities".[4]

History

Similar styles of moustache are quite ancient, appearing on statues and other depictions of Iron Age Celts.[5] In the United States, handlebar moustaches were worn in the later part of the 19th century by Wild West figures like Wyatt Earp.[6] [7] In Europe, handlebar moustaches were often worn by soldiers during the 19th century until roughly the era of World War I.

English comedy actor Jimmy Edwards grew his trademark handlebar moustache in the late 1940s in order to disguise facial injuries sustained as a pilot in World War II.[8]

In 1972, to win a $300 "best facial hair" prize offered by team owner Charlie O. Finley, Oakland A's pitcher Rollie Fingers grew a handlebar moustache which he sported throughout his career.[9] [10]

More recently, the contemporary hipster subculture has embraced the handlebar moustache by mocking conventional ideals of fashion, and by combining a highly manicured handlebar moustache with the portrayal of an unkempt appearance or a haphazardly selected clothing ensemble.[11]

Famous handlebar moustaches

Company mascots

Styles

This style is usually achieved by the use of moustache wax,[16] although hair gel, a curling iron, or natural curling can suffice. Generally, the greater the curl of the extremities, the more dramatic the appearance achieved. When worn without wax or grooming, the moustache style may more closely resemble a walrus moustache.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: handlebar moustache . 2011-02-23 . Dictionary.com Unabridged . Random House, Inc..
  2. Web site: 'Moonch'as Gracias: Salman's Dabangglook has brought the good 'ole moustache in the spotlight.. https://web.archive.org/web/20181127110602/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=PMIR%2F2010%2F09%2F28&ViewMode=HTML&PageLabel=20&EntityId=Ar01900&AppName=1. dead. November 27, 2018. Times of India. Gauri Shah. 2012-08-15. The handle-bar a.k.a 'spaghetti moustache' grew in popularity thanks to Italian men..
  3. Web site: Broadsheet's Guide to Movember. Caroline. Clements. 29 October 2010. Broadsheet. 2012-08-15. Handlebar or Spaghetti Moustache: Curling upwards at the sides like an Italian lion tamer.
  4. News: London's Handlebar Club campaigns against sacking of Indian airline steward . 16 Feb 2008 . 2008-11-27. The Economic Times.
  5. Web site: The Celts Themselves. www.unc.edu. 1 May 2018.
  6. Web site: Top 10: Outrageous Moustaches. Ask Men. Ryan. Barnett.
  7. News: Handlebar moustache is a work of art to Russell. Daily News. Dec 27, 1993.
  8. Veronica . Davis . Edwards, James Keith O'Neill [Jimmy] (1920–1988) . 39930 . 2004 .
  9. Web site: Biography. Rollie Fingers Official Website. 2011-09-22. 2011-10-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20111020191524/http://www.rfingers34.com/rollie-fingers-biography/. dead.
  10. News: Armold. Elijah. January 25, 2007. A Man and His Famous Moustache: Hall of Fame reliever Rollie Fingers and his facial hair visited York Area Sports Night. York Daily Record.
  11. Web site: What is a Hipster Mustache. Wise Geek. D.. Nelson. 14 June 2011.
  12. Web site: If I Were A Rich Man. Frieze Magazine. 2014-07-07. 2015-02-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20150205034647/http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/if-i-were-a-rich-man/. dead.
  13. Web site: National Bohemian. Pabst Brewing Company. 2016-10-05.
  14. Web site: Long Live The Maharaja, The Maharaja Is Dead!. www.rajeevmahajan.com. 1 May 2018.
  15. Web site: Modi Wants to Replace Air India's 'Maharaja' Mascot with Common Man. Rama. Mohan. . 23 June 2014 . 1 May 2018.
  16. Web site: The Wax FAQtor: Questions about Moustache Wax. The Handlebar Club. 2011-09-21.

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