Diva: You're Using it Wrong!

Is it any wonder other countries don't like us? We insult our own children, ourselves, our friends, and we smile about it. We even put it on little girls baby and toddler clothing and use it as an affectionate nickname.

Unless your child is a famous opera singer from years gone by, then diva is probably not the term of endearment you are seeking. It's actually not endearing at all. It's quite insulting really.

Both the terms "diva" and "prima donna" are now used to describe for someone who acts overly entitled.

was used to describe famous female opera singers

DIVA

Noun:

1. A famous female opera singer.

2. A distinguished female singer who has enjoyed great popular success.

Synonyms: prima donna

More modernly it is known to mean: A person who may be considered or who considers herself (or by extension himself) much more important than others, has high expectations of others and who is extremely demanding and fussy when it comes to personal privileges.

If you've ever done opera or been backstage you know that their voice is everything to them, it is their talent, their life, their all and they will do everything to protect that voice. The sometimes unusual demands of opera singers for specific items in this regard led to the term being used in relation to these type of requests in other areas - pop divas for example who request specific flowers in their dressing rooms - and things seem to have steamrolled from there leading to today's overuse of the word in all sorts of ways.

Just for reference, a prima donna isn't really the biggest compliment these days either. While it used to simply mean the lead the lead female singer in the opera, it is often used when commenting negatively about a singer's off-stage personality as being spoiled and demanding. Today the term has become a mainstream word outside opera to often describe a vain, undisciplined, egotistical, obnoxious or temperamental person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team, and although irritating, cannot be done without.

I certainly hope not.

One modern definition of a diva is notably "female version of a hustler" ~ Is that how you want to describe your adorable little girl?

In case I'm being unclear here, a *hustler* is defined as ... One who hustles: especially somebody who pretends to be an amateur at a game in order to win bets. A pimp. A male prostitute. Someone who knows how to get money from others by selling drugs or gambling unfairly. A deceptive person who makes money any way they can.

I hope that paints a pretty clear picture....

That's what a diva is considered to be.

Of course, as a mom, I know firsthand that toddlers (girls and boys) can often be all three of those things for a brief moment in time - because they are toddlers. But, that does not define them and it's surely not the behavior you want to encourage the most. Is it?

Another modern definition of diva is a woman that must have her way exactly, or no way at all. She has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and is often rude and belittles people around her thinking and frequently expressing that they are below her. She is selfish, spoiled, and overly dramatic.

Is it appropriate or "cute" to refer to your daughter as "a little diva"

anonymous: I call my daughter my diva princess all the time. We like diva over sassy, or spoiled. Everything that she is not. My daughter has some special needs and requires more attention than most.

June Parker: If someone is calling her daughter a diva its a nice way of calling her a spoiled bitch. If she is a spoiled bitch, well you know the old saying. "The acorn doesn't fall to far from the tree", and the mother would know. I don't think it is disgusting, though. I think language is just taking another turn as it often does.

anonymous: not exactly cute because it means your child is spoiled but sometimes you have to call her what she is and hopefully change it.

DeclutterDiary: How about "Sugar Plum" - that's what I called my daughter and now her favorite color is purple - and may I add she's now thirty-something and I no longer call her "Sugar Plum". I wonder if she remembers that. ....I don't think the word "Diva" is disgusting, so I can't choose that option. I'd think it was cute and trendy for a mom to call her daughter a "diva". Wish I'd thought of it. ::sigh::

Othercatt: Yes, I think it's cute. But this is coming from someone who named her very whiny dog Diva.

anonymous: American's brains (and I'm and American) are upside down and backwards. It's embarrassing. America of all countries should be a "Diva-free" country.

anonymous: it's horrible. it says exactly what it means: that one feels entitled and should have only the best. i think it's an awful way to refer to one's child. of course, it's the mother who is the real diva!! and they know it and love it.

anonymous: It's wrong. It just shows a lack of intelligence. I am sure these are the same people who use epic in every other sentence.

julieannbrady: Well, I was once referred to as a diva although that's not really my personality. So, if we call someone's young daughter a "little diva," I'd think in the context of what we know today, that it wouldn't be flattering.

Vicki Green: I don't think there is anything cute about a girl who acts like a "little diva" and certainly wouldn't encourage that type of behavior by refering to her by that name.

Renata1 LM: I totally agree with you!

Paul: It seems to mean "brat" which is a perfectly good word iteself.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak: I only have sons...but not something I would be saying to a little girl (I would be afraid of the self-fulfilling prophecy). I don't think it falls under the level of disgusting though..just not a good idea in my opinion.

Pam Irie: I prefer the word princess or pumpkin. :)