Introduction
We all know what a Perfumer is! But, what do we call somebody that is passionate and knowledgeable about Fragrance? Here at Pairfum London, we are asking: Should it be a Fraghead, CognoScenti, Fragrancista or Perfumista? Are they simply synonyms?
Perhaps before even posing this question, we should start with the following background:
- How do you describe a ‘Lover of Perfume’?
- What sets them apart from the crowd?
- How can you spot of this species?
In this blog post, we answer these, incl. “What is a CognoScente“? (remember the ‘e’ at the end instead of an ‘i’)
Enjoy!
CognoScenti?
What is a ‘CognoScenti‘? It sounds like ‘connoisseur’ and a term that morphs ‘scent’ with ‘connoisseur’, but the term ‘cognoscenti’ does actually exist.
The dictionary defines it as ‘persons who have superior knowledge and understanding of a particular field, especially in the fine arts, literature, and the world of fashion.
In the World of PAIRFUM, a ‘CognoScenti’ is a person who ‘Loves’ perfume. In other words, a connoisseur who can distinguish between a good and a bad fragrance. Somebody who would not be able to, or even wish to create a perfume themselves.
It is similar to the difference between a Gourmet and Chef:
- Gourmet, an expert judge in matters of taste and fine dining, also sometimes described as an ‘Epicure’ a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
- Chef, a trained professional cook, proficient in all aspects of food preparation. They may focus on a particular cuisine. The term is derived from ‘chef de cuisine’.
So, what do we call somebody that appreciates ‘Fine Perfumes’, regardless of whether it is an Eau de Parfum, a Fragranced Candle or a Body Lotion? You may wonder why we include Home Fragrances and Skin Care products in this question but ask yourself the following:
- Have you brought a ‘Perfumed Candle’ or a fragranced gift to a house warming party as an alternative to a bottle of wine?
- Have you ever presented a set of beautiful toiletries, as a Gift?
Fragrancista or Perfumista?
Making a Fragrant Gift has been part of civilisation for thousands of years, perfumes and fragrances can be traced to multiple ancient cultures, Egyptians associated their perfumes with the gods, fragrances were also highly prized by ancient Iranians and Chinese cultures.
Here is an example:
In the bible, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were presented by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus.
It is still a very important part of our cultures today, and it illustrates how much a part of our psyche perfumes or fragrances have become in all their beautifully different facettes.
In this context, many of us will have heard the terms ‘Fragrancista‘, ‘Perfumista‘ and ‘Parfumista‘.
Unfortunately, ”Fragrancista” does not easily roll off the tip of our tongue and “Perfumista” and “Parfumista” are registered trademarks (e.g. Puig, a fashion and fragrance business based in Barcelona), which prevents us from using them in our daily lives.
The exception to this rule is “Hoover“:
- The term “Hoover” is a registered trademark, and
- yet is also commonly means to ‘vacuum’ in everyday life.
Fraghead?
The term fraghead is more of a new term that has gained traction and popularity on Social Media.
It is obviously a term inspired by ‘Motorhead’: someone who loves everything around motors: cars, motorbikes, planes, boats, …
In our view, this is actually not a bad fit. It conveys passion, expertise and dedication. The fact that it is being used by lovers of perfume to describe themselves shows that the perfume community agrees with it and has naturally started using fraghead to describe itself.
Cologneisseur?
What about ‘Cologneisseur,’ the combination of Cologne and Connoisseur in one word? Though rarely used, this term could represent a perfume lover who has a specific passion for colognes or lighter, fresher scents. Despite its limited use in the perfume society, it perfectly fits the modern perfume enthusiast with a deep knowledge of this category.
Unlike more concentrated fragrance oils used in niche perfumes, colognes generally have a lighter, fresher appeal. Still, for someone who treasures the subtlety of an orange flower or a fruity blend, this term might resonate. The Cologneisseur is someone who appreciates the elegance of an everyday fragrance but with the discernment of a perfumer. Perhaps with time, the term will become as beloved as the bottles it represents.
Alternatives?
So how else can we honour, appreciate or describe a ‘Perfume Lover‘ or perfumista?
For some inspiration, let’s have a look at the many fields where society has coined phrases to affectionately identify a person with a passion or strong preference. All of these have in common that they do not describe the ‘Chef’ but the ‘Gourmet’, i.e. they don’t actually ‘cook’ or produce / perform the art but ‘eat’ or enjoy it instead :
- Whiskey Connoisseur, Beer Connoisseur – need we say more?
- Turophile – is a connoisseur of cheese, a cheese lover.
- A Sommelier or wine steward, is a trained specialist or wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants, who specialises in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing.
- Fashion Aficionado – “Dedicated follower of Fashion” – The Kinks
- Devotee is an enthusiastic believer in a particular form of religion or God, but it can also be applied to a person.
- Book Critic – some would say they ‘Love’ books, at other times they may just ‘Hate’ them.
- Art & Antique Appraisers or Valuers – They love ‘Art & History’ and they know how much it is worth.
- A Fan or Supporter – a person who is enthusiastically devoted to something or somebody, such as a singer, band, or a sports team etc.
- A Movie Buff – person who loves and knows a lot about movies, movie fan, movie enthusiast, movie expert.
- Geek – once an insult now a compliment, someone who engages in or discuss computer-related tasks with great attention to technical detail – one of the reasons we love this word ‘The Big Bang Theory’
- A Birder – in Oxford English ‘A birdwatcher’ – Somebody that loves to study and admire birds in their natural habitat
- Balletomane – an ardent admirer or lover of Ballet
- Enthusiast of Music – a person who is very driven or has a huge passion for music and musical culture.
- Theatre Lover
- Afficionado – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
- A Patron of the arts
- Follower – throughout history a follower has always had a special meaning, and in the age of ‘Social Media’ it continues to do so.
From the list above we can see how we describe a person’s expertise or passion in their field, even if they are not the ‘chef’?
As the old joke goes: “A farmer is out-standing in his or her own Field”
There are many other terms that we use to describe a passionate follower or lover of a particular subject: adherent, supporter, upholder, defender, advocate, champion, disciple, votary, partisan, member, friend, stalwart, believer, worshipper, attender, expert, authority, specialist, pundit and last but but not least ‘dab hand'( if you are a ‘dab hand’ at something, you are very good at doing it).
Now it is very important to note, that none of these specialists, may actually know how to make, create or play the art they support and yet, they are very knowledgeable and in some cases more knowledgeable than the creators themselves.
Here is an example (with the recent Euros tournament in mind):
A Footballer as a opposed to a Fan/Pundit, the former actually plays the game, whereas the latter appreciates it.
“CognoScente”?
In trying to correctly define a ‘Lover of Perfume’, we came across a phrase that we believe would be perfect to describe somebody that loves perfume: CognoScente
We could even go a step further with this version: Cog-Nose-cente
As we mentioned earlier in the post, these are “people who have superior knowledge and understanding of a particular field”.
In their definition of the term, the dictionary “Mirriam Webster” describes “Cognoscente and Connoisseur” as more than synonyms: they are also linguistic “cousins”.
With such an endorsement, it surprises us that the term has not seen greater popularity.
What is stopping it from becoming the typical term to describe a ‘perfume lover’? We would love to know.
How To Spot This Species?
Now to the last questions:
- How do you spot a “CognoScenti” or “Perfumista”?
- How do you know if you are or fast becoming one of this ‘Species‘, i.e. the perfume lovers?
Simply answer these questions and you might surprise yourself:
- Do you enter the room with your nose first? Before you say ‘No’, think how often you have revelled in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, bread or a wonderful meal, before ever taking a single step into the kitchen, restaurant or bakery!
- Do you smell wine, chocolate, cheese, lotions & potions or other items, before you taste or try them?
- Do you get excited about a new Perfume, a Scented Candle, Room Perfume, Fragranced Soap or Reed Diffuser?
- Can you re-create in your mind’s eye the fragrance of Lavender, or freshly mown grass?
- Do you talk to others about Perfume, e.g. at a party, or compliment somebody on their fragrance?
- Do you find yourself saying that you love perfume?
If you can answer ‘Yes’ to any or all of the above, then you should give yourself a pat on the back: you can now proudly carry any of the titles of “CognoScenti”, “Fragrancista”, “Perfumista” or “Fraghead”? Welcome to the community.
Which Title do you prefer? Are you perhaps using another term?
Regardless, we would love to hear from you and to welcome you to the World of Pairfum London. We love perfume, too.
The next time you are thinking about a new Niche Perfume, have a look at our Natural Eau de Parfum Intense or even better, try the entire range with our Perfume Experience Box.
How to Become a Perfume Connoisseur?
Becoming a perfume connoisseur is not just about having an extensive collection of fragrances; it’s about understanding the intricacies that go into each bottle.
Here are some steps to guide you on your aromatic journey:
- Educate Yourself: Start by learning the basics of perfumery, including notes, accords, and olfactory families.
- Smell, Smell, Smell: This is the most important skill and you should train your nose continuously by smelling individual ingredients and also fragrances, both the classic or iconic notes and the new introductions to the market. Accept that this will take time and you will enjoy the experience.
- Sample Widely: Don’t limit yourself to commercial fragrances. Explore niche perfumes, vintage scents, and even natural fragrances to broaden your olfactory palette.
- Attend Workshops: Many cities offer perfume-making workshops where you can learn firsthand from experts in the field.
- Read and Research: Follow blogs, read books, and even academic papers on perfumery to deepen your understanding.
- Network: Join online forums and social media groups where perfume enthusiasts share their knowledge and experiences.
- By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true perfume connoisseur.
The History of the Perfume Connoisseur
The concept of a perfume connoisseur dates back to ancient civilizations where fragrances were considered a form of art and a symbol of status.
In ancient Egypt, perfumes were associated with the gods, and only the elite had access to these divine scents. Fast forward to the 18th century in France, the birthplace of modern perfumery, where perfume was seen as a luxury and a sign of sophistication.
Over the years, the term “perfume connoisseur” has evolved, but the essence remains the same: a deep appreciation and understanding of the art of scent.
Today’s “Perfumista” is typically associated with “Niche Perfumes”, a further step in the evolution of the “CognoScenti”.
The Science Behind Fragrances
Understanding the science behind fragrances can add another layer to your appreciation of perfumes. Perfume enthusiasts, often part of the Perfume Society, are keenly aware of how the interplay of perfume ingredients—such as jasmine, musk, and vanilla—creates memorable aromas.
Did you know that our olfactory receptors can detect more than one trillion distinct scents? These receptors are directly linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. This connection explains why certain fragrances, like the iconic Coco Chanel or Baccarat Rouge 540, can evoke intense emotional responses. For some, these scents trigger feelings of nostalgia or sexual attraction, while others may experience a sense of calm or happiness. Delving into this science of perfumery makes you appreciate the layers of craftsmanship involved in creating your favorite signature scent.
Moreover, pheromones—natural chemicals secreted by our bodies—are often incorporated into fragrance oils to amplify feelings of attraction. While not all niche perfumes rely on this, understanding how our body’s natural scent interacts with external perfume oils can deepen your perfume journey.
Why Scent Matters in Our Daily Lives
Scent is not just about smelling good; it’s an integral part of our daily lives. As perfumery has evolved, scents like amber, vanilla, and jasmine have made their way into everything from home fragrances to luxury perfumes like Frédéric Malle and Jo Loves. These scents create an ambiance that transforms how we experience the world.
Consider the uplifting aroma of orange flower in the morning or the cozy, grounding scent of musk in a relaxing evening environment. A good perfume can shift your mood, just as a particular smell can transport you to a specific time and place in your love story. Fragrances help define our personal and social environments. Fashion designers often leverage this, using specific scents to complement their collections and create an immersive sensory experience.
For a perfume lover, noticing these nuances enhances daily experiences. From the aroma of fresh flowers to the lingering smell of perfume bottles on your vanity, scent plays an essential role in shaping how we navigate life.
Conclusion: The Aromatic Journey Awaits
Becoming a perfume connoisseur is a fascinating journey that goes beyond merely collecting bottles of fragrances. It’s an exploration into the world of scents that can be as complex and rewarding as understanding fine art, literature, or gourmet cuisine.
Whether you’re a “Fraghead,” “CognoScenti,” “Fragrancista,” or “Perfumista,” the labels matter less than the passion and curiosity you bring to this aromatic world. From understanding the history and science behind fragrances to recognizing the role scent plays in our daily lives, there’s a wealth of knowledge to explore.
So, what’s stopping you? Dive into the captivating world of perfumes, broaden your olfactory horizons, and who knows—you might just find a term that perfectly encapsulates your love for fragrances.
After all, the journey is as enriching as the destination, and in the world of perfumes, the possibilities are endless.
