In English, I sometimes hear a phrase like green is the new black. Literally, this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. What does it mean when someone says X is the new Y, when this makes no sense when taken literally?
Googling "is the new" gives plenty of examples:
- Risky is the new Safe
- Green is the new Red
- Healthy is the new skinny
- Comedy is the new Rock'n'Roll
- Quiet Is the New Loud
I've found definitions online for specific examples, such as the new black, but overall I don't understand what X is the new Y means, and I can't find it explained anywhere.
What does X is the new Y mean?
As far as I'm aware, this phrase exists only in English.