Alay
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alay (or 4L4Y, Anak Layangan, Anak Jablay or Anak Lebay, Indonesian pronunciation: [ˈalaj]) is an Indonesian pop culture phenomenon.[1] The term refers to a stereotype describing something "tacky" (norak), "cheesy" (kampungan) and/or being excessive. The Alay culture phenomena spans a wide array of styles in music, dress, and messaging. It has often been compared to that of the Jejemon phenomenon originating from the Philippines and Harajuku from Japan. Although the former emerged much later and the latter was even admired in the West.[2]
The word "Alay" or "Alayen" or "Sharon Alay" has no exact meaning or obvious derivation. Various definitions of alay are offered. One theory that is widely accepted is that "Alay" comes from the term "Anak Layangan" (Indonesian: Kiteflyer), a pejorative describing someone having certain attributes from spending most of their time outside and getting sunburnt (e.g. reddened hair and skin). Kites are also considered as cheap entertainment to the middle and lower class in modern Indonesia, stereotyping alay as a part of that class.