Random
Source Code

Harley

(v.) When a product or service inflates its price so high, it alienates its original customer base or demographic that gave the brand cachet. Subsequently, the new customer base is often the opposite of the original in terms of style, prestige, or "cred".

origin: Harley motorcycles are now so expensive that the people who originally helped cement their image of iconic rebellion can no longer afford them, and what's more it does not make sense for a scrappy, rebellious type to give a large corporation money. Who does have the money? Bankers, accountants, and other "weekend warriors" who are anathema to the original zeitgeist of what the brand embodied.

"I'd love to go see Van Halen, if they happen to be back together this week, but the cheapest ticket is $100. Man, they totally Harleyed."

"I'd love to get some indie film tips, but SXSW is all velvet ropes and trust funds now. It didn't take them too long to Harley, did it?"

by Actionfigure00 August 31, 2013

8👍 3👎