Flaneur

A flâneur (French for “stroller,” “loafer,” or “saunterer”) is an observer of modern urban life, typically a man, who ambles through a city, experiencing its sights and sounds and reflecting on them. The flâneur is detached from the hustle and bustle of daily life, engaging in a form of artistic observation and contemplation. They are often associated with the rise of industrialization and the anonymity of city life, providing a space for exploring urban experiences, social dynamics, and the ever-changing landscape.

Flaneur meaning with examples

• Lost in thought, he considered himself a true flâneur, strolling through the bustling marketplace, absorbing the chaos and vibrancy, finding inspiration in the ordinary moments of city life. The noise and multitude of faces fueled his creativity.
• She adopted the guise of a flâneur, exploring the less-traveled backstreets, fascinated by the unique architectural details and the stories etched onto the walls. Each corner held a new story, a fleeting moment worth observing.
• He felt like a classic flâneur, watching people come and go at the cafe, enjoying the simple pleasures of a strong coffee, as he sketched in his notebook, collecting moments to inspire his art.
• The novelist embraced the role of a flâneur, wandering through the parks, observing the interactions between people and using it to inform their work, turning their observations into narrative.