Meaning
What does Business in the Front, Party in the Back mean?
The phrase Business in the Front, Party in the Back is a humorous way to describe a specific style of haircut, commonly known as a Kentucky Waterfall Mullet. The phrase suggests that the individual has a clean, professional appearance from the front, resembling the style of a businessperson, while the back reveals a wild, party-like appearance. The expression is known worldwide, however its close ties to Murica are undeniable.
Example: Imagine walking into a high-end jewelry store and being greeted by a salesperson wearing a sharp suit, expertly groomed hair, and an air of professionalism. But as soon as you turn around, you notice the salesperson has a wildly styled, long, and untamed mullet flowing down their back. That’s the perfect example of “business in the front, party in the back.”
Origin
What's the origin of Business in the Front, Party in the Back?
The expression originally was used during the Prohibition-era in the United States, in a more literal sense. Back then, it was a common occurrence in urban environments that various business establishments operated hidden back rooms for various recreational purposes, while maintaining legitimate business in the front.
The phrase “Business in the Front, Party in the Back” gained renewed popularity in the 1980s, coinciding with the rise of the mullet hairstyle. Mullets were particularly fashionable among blue-collar workers and became a defining characteristic of the era. The phrase likely emerged as a humorous observation of the contrasting styles of the mullet haircut, with the front being short and well-groomed while the back was long and, well, a bit wild.
The popularity of the phrase spread through various mediums, including comedy shows, music, and pop culture references. It became a catchphrase to describe anything that had a stark contrast between two distinct elements, not just limited to hairstyles.
Spread & Usage
How did Business in the Front, Party in the Back spread?
Over time, ”Business in the Front, Party in the Back” became a popular catchphrase in the English language. It spread to different countries and cultures, finding its way into casual conversations, music lyrics, and even advertisements. The phrase’s humor lies in its ability to create vivid imagery and capture the essence of a situation or individual in a succinct and humorous manner.
With the advent of social media, the phrase has gained even more popularity. Memes, jokes, and funny videos referencing the “Business in the Front, Party in the Back” concept have become viral, spreading the phrase further and making it a recognizable part of popular culture, especially in the early 2010s, when mullet memes swarmed the internet.
In an interesting twist, the 2020s saw the renewed ironic appreciation of the hairstyle, especially among Zoomers embracing the punk Drip and overall aesthetic, resulting in a new generation, who can relate to the motto “Business in the Front, Party in the Back.”
External resources
- Kansan.com – Business in the front, party in the back: The journey of the mullet
- Medium.com – Five mullets that rock my world
- Thenationalnews.com – A brief history of the mullet: ‘Business up front and party at the back’