Snow bunny is a slang term with several overlapping meanings, typically tied to skiing culture and racialized or gendered connotations. Here are the main senses you’ll encounter:
- Beginner or inexperienced skier/snowboarder: This is the most common, traditional use. It describes someone—often a young woman—who is new to winter sports or still learning on the slopes. The tone can be affectionate or dismissive depending on context.
- Attractive young woman, sometimes described in racialized ways: In recent decades, the phrase has also been used to refer to an appealing white woman, and in some cases has carried connotations related to dating or sexual attraction in the context of après-ski culture. This usage is widely considered demeaning or reductive and is context-sensitive.
- Cultural shorthand with varied nuances: On platforms like TikTok and Reddit, “snow bunny” can appear in discussions about slang evolution, with notes that the term has shifted meaning over time and across communities. The understanding largely depends on who is using it and in what setting.
- Related terms: In some dictionaries, synonyms such as “ski bunny” or “slope bunny” are used with similar primary sense (a person who enjoys skiing, often inexperienced). The term’s acceptability varies by region and audience.
Practical note:
- Because the term can be perceived as objectifying or disrespectful, it’s wise to consider your audience and context before using it. If describing someone on the slopes in a neutral way, “beginner skier” or “new to skiing” is clearer and less likely to cause offense.
If you’d like, I can tailor the explanation to a specific region or era (e.g., historical usage in North American slang vs. contemporary social media usage).
