What does the phrase banana republic mean?

What does the phrase banana republic mean?

banana republic. noun. derogatory a small country, esp in Central America, that is politically unstable and has an economy dominated by foreign interest, usually dependent on one export, such as bananas.

Which countries are considered banana republics?

A number of countries have been described as banana republics at some point.

• Bangladesh.
• Botswana.
• Costa Rica.
• Guatemala.
• Honduras.
• Nicaragua.
• Nigeria.
• Panama.

Where did the term banana republic originate?

The term “banana republic” was coined in 1901 by American author O. Henry in his book “Cabbages and Kings” to describe Honduras while its economy, people, and government were being exploited by the American-owned United Fruit Company.

Why were some Latin American countries known as banana republics?

The phrase “banana republic,” now commonly understood by U.S. young people as a brand of clothing, was coined to disparage small Central American countries, countries that served virtually as production platforms for banana-exporting enterprises like the United Fruit Company.

Is banana republic a luxury brand?

Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in 1983. eventually rebranding it as a mainstream luxury clothing retailer. The literate articles, hand-drawn catalog, and eccentric tourist-oriented items were phased out and were replaced with more luxurious, but not unique, items for which the brand is currently known.

Why is banana republic offensive?

The ruling class controls the primary sector of the economy by way of the exploitation of labor; thus, the term banana republic is a pejorative descriptor for a servile oligarchy that abets and supports, for kickbacks, the exploitation of large-scale plantation agriculture, especially banana cultivation.

Why is Banana Republic offensive?

Is banana republic overpriced?

The price point range is better than other brand label stores. In summary, the quality is good and you’ll enjoy shopping in the Banana Republic. The same t-shirt happens to be one of the most expensive models out of the other two brands, but the least expensive on the Banana Republic site.

Which is better quality Banana Republic or J Crew?

Even though J. Crew had more variety in terms of carrying more styles, accessories, and children’s clothes, the styles and quality were better at Banana Republic, and the prices were often the same or lower.

Is there a Navy in the Banana Republic?

In the constitution of this small, maritime banana republic was a forgotten section that provided for the maintenance of a navy. This provision—with many other wiser ones—had lain inert since the establishment of the republic. Anchuria had no navy and had no use for one.

Why was the banana republic called a banana republic?

In 1904, after his return to the United States, he published a novel called Cabbages and Kings, set in a country meant to resemble Honduras called Anchuria that he labeled a “banana republic” because it had a shady government and an economy that depended on bananas. Here’s his first mention of the term, which occurs on page 147 of the novel:

What kind of clothing did Banana Republic sell?

In the late seventies and early eighties, Banana Republic sold safari clothing: pith helmets, safari jackets, photographers’ vests.

When did the gap take over banana republic?

In 1983, Gap bought Banana Republic and funded an expansion of the brand, opening the door for “mall stores decorated with Jeeps and jungle foliage” to spring up around the US, but left the founders with creative control until 1987, when the stock market crash led Gap to ditch Banana Republic’s safari wear idea.