Dictionary definition of “fluorescent tan”

fluorescent tan

n. very pale or bright white skin. Subjects: English, Body, Slang

Comments? | Cites | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Citations: 1977 Michael Bezdek Bucks County Courier Times (Levittown, Pennsylvania) (May 24) “Coaches on conditioning” p. A17: More than the millions who only have a fluorescent tan to show for a day’s work; more than those who swelter in airless offices which provide only the smell of a gymnasium and none of the exercise benefits. 1988 Curtis Ross Tampa Tribune (Florida) (May 3) “A rockin’ tour of Austin” p. 1: After a few nights of club crawling, you’ll need some fresh air and sunshine. You don’t want to return home with a fluorescent tan and emphysema, do you? 2000 Tom Morton Scotsman (Glasgow, Scotland) (Nov. 22) “Are call centres the answer or the end of the line?” p. 14: If you’re trying to sort out your London parking-ticket problem, you’re speaking to someone getting a fluorescent tan in a tin shed just outside Forres. 2007 Jane Dillon Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (Jan. 25) “Paris poodles no match for Homebush sniffer puppies”: I’ve started to develop the grey pallor typical of the Brits and commonly called a fluorescent tan. I have vague recollections of sunshine and frolicking in the surf, occasionally resurrected from my memory by spiteful antipodean friends who email me about their weekends at Bondi.

Posted 26 Jan 07 | Permalink | Tell a Friend