Cagole is a term used in the region of Provence (Southern France) to describe the stereotype of young women who dress and behave in a vulgar or provocative way.

It typically denotes a woman who's "excessive" - this is manifested in a tendency towards heavy makeup, revealing clothing, and the abundant use of accessories like jewelry. The Cagole is also typically associated with extroverted behavior and a loud, hyperfeminine personality.

The term has been in use since at least the late 19th century, and emerged as a somewhat derogatory slang word in the 1980s. However, it was also reclaimed by some women as a positive self-identifier. While the trend's popularity declined in the mid-2010s, the term remains in common usage in Marseille and Provence due to its close association with Provençal culture.

The etymology of the the term " cagòla " (Provençal language) or " cagole " (adapted to Modern French, used in Southern French dialects) is uncertain. Two possible origins have been proposed:

The context of the term is generally well defined in Provence. On 21st January 2023, the directors of Parlez-vous le sud? , a France TV series that explain the origin of modern French words used in Southern France derived from the Occitan language, made a chapter on the term. The participants featured in the video individually described it as "a (fake) blonde" or "a girl, a bit pretty, a bit easy." The main presentator of the program finally described the term as "a woman who speaks too loudly, wears revealing clothing, who drinks and smokes a lot... and that's why I love them."

In Marseille, a " Miss Cagole " contest (parodying Miss France ) has been hosted in France 3 Marseille from the 1980s until its final 20th edition in 1997. This event was successfully revived in 2018 after a 20 year-long hiatus. One of the organizers characterized the Cagole as a "free woman of the South." Meanwhile, " Miss Cagole Nomade " is another contest has been held annually since 2021. Organized by the Cagole Nomade brand, the contest describes itself as a "queer and inclusive" event. However, this event is distinct from the one that has been hosted since the 1980s.

The resurgence of "Cagole" as a positive self-identifier is part of a broader effort to embrace the regional cultural heritage of Provence or  the larger Occitania; it contributes to the characteristics that historically and culturally difference it from the northern regions of France and Paris.

In recent decades, the term became infamous in other areas of France, beyond its original scope of Provence. This has led to its inclusion in official dictionaries, as well as the creation of books and media portrayals. Therefore, in other regions of France, it can have a much broader meaning. For example, it might be used to describe grown up women trying to look younger with unhealthy methods such as excessive makeup, girls who dye their hair blonde (like the "dumb blonde" stereotype), or simply a bimbo .

Cagole fashion doesn't differ much from the usual 2000s bimbo fashion. Hair is long, straightened and either of a natural colour or dyed blond. Tanned, hairless skin is the norm - it is often covered in thick foundation mismatching the wearer's carnation, giving it that infamous cakey look. Concerning makeup, blue or white eyeshadow is associated with a kohl liner, and lips are over-lined with a nude lip pencil. Jewelry is common: garish necklaces, ear hoops and philtrum piercings to name but a few items.

Clothing is revealing, with little cleavage coverage, low cuts and sometimes exposed underwear. Regular outfits frequently include the following: pencil skirts, skinny jeans, yoga pants, leopard fur patterns, tight dresses, tank tops, stiletto heels, fur boots.

Cagoles are known for being loud, promiscuous, and sometimes likely to argue or throw hands for reasons lacking common sense. They are mainly mocked by the major part of the French population, but some people still praise them for being carefree, strong women.