“Diva” Reclaimed! From Derogatory to Dazzling
“Ugh, she’s SUCH a diva!”
I know you’ve heard it, you might have even used it. And it wasn’t meant as a compliment. In more recent years, we’ve heard the word used (more or less) positively for pop icons like Mariah Carey, Beyonce or Celine Dion, but what about someone not famous? Someone you know. Intimately. What about YOU?
“No way, am I a diva!”
We say this because in everyday life, to be a diva has a bad connotation. A diva is a capricious and temperamental woman, she must have her way, everything is about her, she is loud, she is particular, she is demanding, she thinks she’s a VIP everywhere she goes..
But did you know that this negative connotation is a product of the late 19th into 20th century? Before then, waaay before then, devi meant goddess in Sanskrit, “a shining one”, its derivative -div, meaning “to shine”. Diva meant originally ”one who sparkles and shines“. The same derivative of the Greek dios (divine), Latin deus (god). Are you starting to see where I’m going with this?
In the operatic world of the 18th and 19th century, (remember, that was the pop music of the day!) the Italians gave the title “diva” to the most gifted, famous sopranos. This title invoked the awe with which audiences heard their art, likening them to goddesses. These women shone on the stage and with their vocal abilities seemed almost other-worldly. They also sang really high!, putting them in league with the angels or celestial bodies. This usage of the word is very much aligned with the original meaning. The most celebrated tenors of the day (the highest male voice), also had this distinctive title, “divo”.
Around the turn of the 20th century, some of these divas exerted their star power by having high expectations for the way they were treated and what they received. This began the transformation of the term “diva” to be more about a woman’s behavior rather than her awe-inspiring talent and success. By the middle of the 20th century any woman who was assertive, ambitious, successful, with high expectations could be complained about as a “diva”. Funny, the term “divo” never really made this leap in meaning…
Let me ask you this: haven’t our “norms” vastly changed since the 1950s? Isn’t it time that we reclaim this word and the meaning we have associated with it? A diva is not self-absorbed or self-centered. She is, however, centered within herself so she can expand into possibility that will include others as well.
It’s time for us to begin wearing the “diva” title once more as a badge of honor, as it was originally intended.
You are a goddess, you are a piece of the divine, you are “one who shines”.
A diva is an extraordinary and empowered woman who radiates with confidence, grace, and uniqueness. With a commanding presence that effortlessly captures attention, she exudes a magnetic charisma and refined elegance. Beyond mere talent, a diva embraces her artistry (whatever medium that may be) with unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence, inspiring others through her mastery of craft. Through her style, voice, and presence, she sparks the illumination of ideas, encouraging self-expression and the pursuit of one’s passions. A true diva not only elevates her contextual stage but also uplifts those around her, leaving an indelible mark on the world with her authenticity, strength, and unwavering belief in her own worth.
I’m a diva. YOU are a diva too. If you don’t see her when you look in the mirror, know that she is yet there, waiting for you to allow her to come bursting forth. She is powerful, she is real, she is you. If you haven’t already, unapologetically open the door to let her out – the world needs your sparkle, your dazzle, your pizzaz and panache, let it shine!
If you’d like some support in this, I’d love to do so! Become a part of our Diva Dynamics™ tribe: