Today there are many styles and subcultures known in society, from punk to hip-hop, from hipster to gangster. However, there is one that has become widely recognized and popularized in recent years. This is the “Guido” lifestyle. Popularized by the hit MTV television show "Jersey Shore," the term Guido was not always accepted in the positive tone given to it today by popular media. Some consider it an inappropriate insult and a racist term (Cohen 1-2). While this may have been true in the past, today “Jersey Shore” and other mass media have certainly contributed to the mainstream acceptance and popularity of Guido's style and have changed the direction of the term from that of a racial slur to a represent the identity of a subculture. As subcultures are characterized by symbolism and expression ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6), Guido style does much to become a youth subculture through clothing, cars and music, and also through their attitudes and behaviors ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6). The term Guido is associated with Italian Americans living in the northeastern United States ("Identity Politics of Guido" 1-53). Its story originates from working-class urban youth known as “greasers,” which were applied with derogatory intent (Brooks). The early origins of the term Guido were associated with gangs, graffiti, and turf wars ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6). This would explain why many still take offense to the term. However today there are many different signs associated with the term. Guidos are identified through the large number of signs and symbols they incorporate into their identity. The social codes of... at the center of the paper... Controversy over Shore' 'Guido' - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Videos, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Time Inc. , December 12, 2009. Web. November 16, 2011. .Cohen, Patricia “Discussing That Word That Prompts a Fist Pump or a Frown.” The New York Times 23 January 2010: 1-2 .Tricarico, Donald ITALIAN-AMERICAN YOUTH STYLE". The Journal of Ethic Studies 19.1: 1-6, and Guido's identity politics." (2005): 1-53. The National Italian American Foundation. Web. 13 November. 2011. .