
Unlocking Cool: Discover the 6 Traits that Define the World's Coolest People
2025-06-30
Author: Ming
What Makes Someone 'Cool'? A Global Perspective
Across continents and cultures—from bustling San Francisco to vibrant Sydney, and from the bustling streets of Chile to the fast-paced life in China—there's one thing we can all agree on: the meaning of 'cool.' A groundbreaking study has identified the universal traits that define coolness, revealing that, surprisingly, people from different backgrounds attribute very similar qualities to those they consider cool.
The Study Behind Coolness
Involving nearly 6,000 participants from countries including the USA, Germany, India, and Nigeria, researchers conducted a thorough investigation into the characteristics of cool people. According to Dr. Todd Pezzuti, a lead researcher and marketing professor at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile, 'Everyone wants to be cool, or at least escape the label of uncool. Cool individuals challenge societal norms and spark cultural advancements.'
The Key Traits of Cool People
Participants in the study identified who they viewed as cool or uncool and rated their personalities. The findings were enlightening: 'Good' people exhibited qualities such as traditionalism, warmth, and conscientiousness, while 'cool' individuals tended to be extraverted, adventurous, and autonomous. Dr. Caleb Warren, another co-lead researcher, notes, 'To be cool, you need to be somewhat likable, yet often coolness includes traits like hedonism and power that aren't necessarily considered morally good.'
The Evolution of Coolness
As trends in fashion, music, and film continue to globalize, the concept of cool has become more standardized yet still retains its unique edge. Dr. Pezzuti asserts, 'Coolness has evolved but remains vital. It originated from rebellious subcultures, like Black jazz musicians in the 1940s or beatniks in the 1950s, and its importance only intensifies as society demands more creativity and innovation.'
Why We Care About Being Cool
The researchers highlight that the pursuit of coolness influences where we shop, how we communicate, and how we spend our leisure time. It’s a quest that consumes both time and resources, and ultimately, people across the globe are united in their desire to embody this coveted trait. This landmark study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, provides vital insights into the age-old question: What does it truly mean to be cool?