Patreus story: "Tampa socialite"; WTF is a "socialite"?

[Politico]

Im so sick of hearing the media repeating that phrase, the "Tampa socialite". WTF is a socialite? I know her husband is a surgeon, and they live in a mansion in Tampa. So...what is she?? A "socialite"? Her profession is being married to a really rich guy, and flocking around the social scene in Tampa?

And they make the circuit if you know what I mean.

 

[whitehall]

You gotta chalk it up to the pop-culture idiots they graduate from journalism school. Valerie Plame was a "socialite" but the word didn't seem to apply when she was promoted as an alleged victim of a republican administration..

 

[skye]

I am not an expert by any means but I think a socialite is someone who has a lot of money, a large nice house, invites you to hundred of parties with great food and drink ... and who is superficial and rather boring.

 

[tyroneweaver]

Im so sick of hearing the media repeating that phrase, the "Tampa socialite". WTF is a socialite? I know her husband is a surgeon, and they live in a mansion in Tampa. So...what is she?? A "socialite"? Her profession is being married to a really rich guy, and flocking around the social scene in Tampa?

actually socialites are a very positive thing around army, navy, marine bases. They organize fund raisers, help out those in need, etc.
I know what your saying. But the position is being given a bad rap.