Definition of the word mullet

The word "mullet" originated in the 1970s, specifically in Australia, where it referred to fishermen's hairstyles - short on the sides and long at the back. This hairstyle was popularized by Australian surfers who wore it to keep their ears warm while surfing in chilly waters. The term "mullet" is believed to come from the Australian slang word "mull" which means "ordinary," and "ett" which is an abbreviation of the word "haircut." Combined, "mull-ett" literally means "an ordinary haircut." The style also had practical purposes as it allowed fishermen to blend in with the sea, making them less conspicuous to fish. Some believe that the style was first popularized by the Australian rugby league team, known as the Kangaroos, in the 1970s. The hairstyle soon spread around the world, with popular culture figures such as David Hasselhoff and actor Bill Brasky wearing it in the 1980s. However, by the 1990s, the mullet had become a target of ridicule and was widely considered a fashion faux pas. Despite this, the mullet persisted as a symbol of self-expression and soon became a paradoxical symbol of both humor and culture. Today, it still holds a prestigious place in pop culture, with modern-day celebrities like Lady Gaga and Zac Efron rocking mullets in their music or films.