Here's a breakdown:
* Culture: This refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social institutions of a group of people. It's the foundation of a society, representing its history, traditions, and ways of life.
* Varnish: This is a metaphor for superficial aspects that might mask the underlying culture. It can include things like fashion trends, popular music, or even certain behaviors that are adopted to fit in or appear sophisticated.
The phrase suggests that true culture is about the substance, the heart and soul of a society, while varnish is merely a thin layer of polish that might mislead outsiders about the genuine character of a culture.
Examples:
* A country might have a reputation for luxury and glamour, which is essentially the "varnish" of its image. However, its true culture might be rooted in strong family values, a deep sense of community, or traditional art forms.
* An individual might try to adopt a certain style of clothing or language to appear "cultured," but their actions might lack genuine understanding or appreciation for the culture they are trying to imitate.
In essence, the phrase emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the surface and exploring the deeper, more authentic aspects of a culture.