Define: Hipster

or.... slang is subjective and always evolving...

While reading through my friend's statuses this morning on F.B (the best way of staying abreast of current events!) I ran across the phrase "elitist hipster attitude" in reference to an online journalism class.

It got me to wondering... just what IS a hipster? I know the vernacular and what it used to mean, but what does it mean to today's students. First- I looked it up in the dictionary.

Somehow... I don't think these definitions are adequate for the term as it was implied.

if in doubt--- ask Mom.

She works crosswords all day and is usually informed on pop-culture and current events. She defines hipster much the same. So... I posted an informal poll on my Facebook wall.

I got few responses from: "A kool kat" to "style of underwear- cut between bikini and brief that sits on one's hips". Or-"a person dressed in hip hugger jeans with their hair pulled back in a long braid who walks around saying: "Far Out", "Groovy", "That's Funky" and instead of waving, they just give you the Peace sign!".

Still... not the intention that I'm sensing the instructor is aiming for.

Hmm.... time to check in on the Urban Dictionary website. If you don't know about this site, it is built on the premise that anyone with a keyboard can enter a definition and readers agree or disagree with interpretations. Leaving it wide open for use of the "f"-word and insight into the world of the generations that have no boundaries- this site creates slang for slang's sake and more.

Yikes! There are 160 different interpretations with tens of thousands of "thumb up or thumb down" viewpoints! According to the 2nd most well received and thus "generally accepted" definition describes a hipster as:

a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs. Such styles are often associated with the work of creative stylists at urban salons, and are usually too "edgy" for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer. The "effortless cool" urban bohemian look of a hipster is exemplified in Urban Outfitters and American Apparel ads which cater towards the hipster demographic. Despite misconceptions based on their aesthetic tastes, hipsters tend to be well educated and often have liberal arts degrees, or degrees in maths and sciences, which also require certain creative analytical thinking abilities. Consequently many hipsters tend to have jobs in the music, art, and fashion industries. It is a myth that most hipsters are unemployed and live off of their parent's trust funds.

put on your hip waders, there's more....

Because of the rise of various online photo-blog and social networking sites, insights into urban hipster culture is reaching sheltered suburban audiences at an exponential rate. Cultural "norms" have been deconstructed by hipster culture as a whole. Hipsterism is often dismissed as just an image thing by some, but the culture as a whole is effecting changes in society, leading to feelings of insecurity and resentment in people who are no longer a part of the cultural ruling class. For example, a lot of anti-hipster sentiment evidently comes from culturally-clueless suburban frat boy types who feel that the more sensitive, intelligent, and culturally aware hipster ideal threatens their insecure sense of masculinity. Anti-hipster sentiment often comes from people who simply can't keep up with social change and are envious of those who can.

You were good enough to hang with me on that long diatribe- now you deserve a reward. Yes.. it really is "Hip To Be Square!" by Huey Lewis & the News! The record label won't allow embedding the video- so hit the link!