Hippies Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈhɪpiːz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A subculture or counterculture that values individuality, free expression, and nonconformity, often characterized by an interest in music, art, and spirituality.

Examples

• The hippies in the 1960s were known for their protests against the Vietnam War.
• Hippies often gather at music festivals to celebrate peace and love.

Synonyms

• Counterculture
• Bohemian

Antonyms

• Conservative
• Establishment

Etymology

The word “hippie” is believed to have originated in the early 1960s as a shortened form of “hipster,” a term used to describe young people who were aware of and appreciated the latest cultural trends.

Usage Notes

When using the word “hippie,” it’s essential to consider the context and potential connotations. The term can be seen as derogatory or pejorative in some cases, so it’s crucial to use it respectfully.

Cultural References

• Woodstock Music & Art Fair (1969): A iconic music festival that embodied the hippie spirit.
• Peace signs and flower power: Symbols of the hippie movement and its emphasis on peace and love.
• The Beatles and psychedelic rock: Music that reflected the psychedelic and countercultural themes of the hippie movement.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Turn on, tune in, drop out: A phrase coined by Timothy Leary that embodies the hippie mantra of dropping out of mainstream society.
• Flower power: A phrase used to describe the peaceful and nonviolent principles of the hippie movement.

Related Words or Phrases

• Bohemian: A term used to describe artists and intellectuals who reject mainstream values.
• Counterculture: A broader term that describes any movement that challenges mainstream values.

Collocations

• Hippie movement
• Hippie culture
• Hippie lifestyle

Frequency of Use

The word “hippie” gained popularity in the 1960s and has remained a part of the cultural lexicon ever since, although its usage has waxed and waned over the years.