A fashionable social group. The term, which originated in the 1950s soon after the introduction of travel by jet-propelled aircraft, caught on rapidly, probably aided by its rhyme. It was applied first to the affluent socialites who traveled around the world to fashionable resorts; later it was extended to a well-to-do social group in general, whether or not its members actually traveled frequently. It replaced the earlier smart set, at least in America. See also beautiful people.