Hippie Meaning and Definition

Hippie

Hippie

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪpi/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who rejects materialism and consumerism, often associated with the 1960s counterculture movement, characterized by their informal appearance, love of music, and nonconformist values.

Examples

  • The hippie community in San Francisco was known for its vibrant music scene and colorful fashion.
  • He grew his hair long and started wearing tie-dye shirts to identify as a hippie.
  • The hippie movement emphasized the importance of personal freedom and nonconformity.
  • The flower power symbolized the hippie spirit of peace and love.
  • The hippie lifestyle was characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and a focus on alternative cultures.
  • The hippie movement’s ideals of social justice and equality are still influential today.

Synonyms

  • Free spirit
  • Bohemian

Antonyms

  • Straight-laced
  • Conformist

Etymology

The term “hippie” originated from the 19th-century term “hippiedrome,” referring to a carnival attraction, and was popularized in the 1960s to describe counterculture individuals who rejected mainstream values.

Usage Notes

The term “hippie” is often used to describe a specific cultural movement, but it can also suggest a carefree, nonconformist lifestyle. Be mindful of connotations when using the word in different contexts.

Cultural References

  • The Beatles’ album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967) is often associated with the hippie movement.
  • The film “Easy Rider” (1969) is a classic representation of the counterculture movement.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “Free love” or “free sex” refers to a sexual liberation aspect of the hippie movement.
  • “Make love, not war” is a famous slogan associated with hippie activism.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Culture
  • Alternative

Collocations

  • hippie culture
  • Hippie community
  • Hippie lifestyle

Frequency of Use

The term “hippie” has seen a resurgence in usage in recent years, particularly in reference to online communities and social media.

Common Misspellings

  • Hippy
  • ipher

Related Words