"Orange Is the New Black" is the new thing to watch. The Netflix series chronicling the daily highs and lows of life as an incarcerated woman has charmed critics with its well-balanced servings of humor, heartbreak and above all, humanity.
But if the phrase "is the new" sounds familiar to you, that's because, of course, it is. "[BLANK] is the new black" originated in the fashion world, and nascent uses came in the early '80s in the Los Angeles Times. (A late-'70s version, from the New York Times: "Colors are the new neutrals.")
The entertainment world loves "is the new," too. You could even say that "Orange is the New Black" is the new "is the new." Take a look at some other examples below, and let us know if you think "Orange is the New Black" is the best "is the new" in the comments.
1. "Brown Is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream," a 2007 look into how Latinos like George Lopez are shaping Latin-American identity.
2."Different is the New Normal," a 2011 documentary about a 17-year-old high school student who struggles with Tourette's Syndrome.
3. "80 Is the New 40," a 2006 episode of "Girls Next Door."
4. "Pink Is the New Black," a season 6 episode of "The Apprentice." Of course.
5. "Red Is the New Black," a season 4 episode of "The Mentalist."
6. "30 Is the New 20," a season 2 episode of "Sunset Tan."
7. "Vintage Is the New Black," a season 1 episode of "L.A. Frock Stars."
8. "Blood Is the New Black," a season 3 episode of "Pretty Little Liars."
9. "Jerome Is the New Black," a season 8 episode of "Family Guy."
10. "Awake Is the new Black," a season 2 episode of "River Ridge.
Music gets in on it too...
11. "Quiet Is the new Loud," a 2001 album by Kings of Convenience.
12. "Folk Is the new Black," a 2006 album by Janis Ian.
13. "Awake Is the new Sleep," a 2005 album by Ben Lee.
14. "Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead," a 2012 album by Charlie Hunter.
15. "Night is the New Day," a 2012 album by Katatonia.
16. "Together Is the New Alone," a 2001 album by Donnacha Costello.
17. "New Orleans is the New Vietnam," a 2012 album by Eyehategod.
18. "Light Is the New Black," a 2012 album by Black Space Riders.
19. "Ranch Is the new French," a 2008 album by The Service Industry.
20. "Alright Is the New Fantastic," a 2010 album by Teddy Goldstein & The Goldsteins.
21. "Blood Is the new Black," a 2003 album by The Love Scene.
The more you know.
Before You Go
