Socially accepted and considered appropriate for public discourse or interaction in educated circles. The term is often used for topics, words, or behaviors that were formerly considered taboo.
example
Manche extremen politischen Ansichten sind in den letzten Jahren leider salonfähig geworden.
Some extreme political views have unfortunately become socially acceptable in recent years.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Salon' (salon) and the suffix '-fähig' (-able/capable of). Historically, a 'Salon' was a reception room for social gatherings among the upper class. 'Salonfähig' therefore literally means 'suitable for the salon,' that is, for polite society.
EXAMPLE
Früher war es nicht üblich, in Jeans zu einer Feier zu kommen, heute ist das salonfähig.
In the past, it was not customary to come to a celebration in jeans; today that is socially acceptable.
Sentence structure and use
The adjective is often used with the verbs 'sein' (to be), 'werden' (to become), or 'machen' (to make). The construction 'etwas salonfähig machen' means to actively ensure that something becomes socially accepted.
EXAMPLE
Durch die Diskussion in den Medien wurde das Thema langsam salonfähig.
Through discussion in the media, the topic slowly became socially acceptable.
Typical collocations
'Salonfähig' (socially acceptable) is mostly used for abstract concepts that were formerly considered inappropriate or taboo. Typical nouns are 'Ansichten' (views), 'Wörter' (words), 'Ideen' (ideas), or 'Verhaltensweisen' (behaviors).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Wort war früher ein Schimpfwort, aber heute ist es fast salonfähig.
This word used to be an insult, but today it is almost socially acceptable.
Compare with
near_synonym
salonfähig vs anerkannt
recognized
'anerkannt' and 'salonfähig' both have to do with acceptance. 'anerkannt' says that something is valued because of quality, achievement, or competence. 'salonfähig' is more about a topic, word, or behavior being accepted in society and able to be discussed openly. So it is less about professional quality and more about social acceptance. 'salonfähig' is often used when something used to be inappropriate or taboo and later becomes more normal.
salonfähig
Das Thema psychische Gesundheit ist in vielen Firmen langsam salonfähig geworden.
The topic of mental health has slowly become socially acceptable in many companies.
anerkannt
Seine Methode ist heute in vielen Kliniken anerkannt.