Beards and kilts

[auld argonian]

Veering slightly off topic but the can of worms has been opened and the history buffs will be descending anyway...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_van_Dyck

I always assumed that the style of beard got its name from the beard of the artist.

Best

AA

[fluter]

I always assumed that the style of beard got its name from the beard of the artist.

<chortle> yes it did. I was also refreshing my memory & saw that van Dyck himself had the merest of chin-whiskers and a twirly moustache; at least in the most familiar portraits.

However I believe the term arose in the U.S. in the 20th century and in that context has the general meaning of moustache plus goatee. Webster's 3rd does indeed specify a pointed beard.

[Yaish]

Goatee - beard on the chin only, traditionally but not always trimmed to a point.

Van Dyke - A chin beard and mustache, which may or may not connect. As with the goatee the chin beard is often shaped to a point.



I just realized my full beard is only five weeks old. It's nice and thick now, and in a few weeks it'll probably need it's first trimming.
I like the full beard but I'll be going back to the Van Dyke come spring. It's just too hot to insulate the cheeks all summer long.