“Hipster” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 14, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The slang term “hipster” is used often in conversation. Chances are you have heard or seen this phrase and your lack of comprehension of it has led you here. This is a good thing because here you will find everything you need to know to understand this phrase better.

You will find the meaning, the origin information, and some alternative meanings also if they exist. You will also see some conversation examples that highlight this term and help you see how it is correctly used in a sentence in dialogue. Finally, you will discover some synonyms for the term that you can use interchangeably with the original to convey the same meaning.

“Hipster” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • This slang term is used to define someone whose fashion and/or music preferences tend to fall outside of the norm of what is considered to be trendy.
Hipster Meaning
Hipster Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Hipster” Meaning

“Hipster” is a term used to describe a person who embraces a unique, alternative lifestyle, often characterized by an appreciation for indie or unconventional music, art, fashion, and other cultural expressions. Hipsters typically value individuality and creativity, often choosing interests and styles that are outside mainstream trends.

Some key traits associated with hipsters include:

  • An affinity for vintage or thrifted clothing.
  • Enjoyment of alternative music, indie films, and non-mainstream art.
  • Preference for organic, artisanal, or locally-sourced products.
  • An interest in sustainability, minimalism, or DIY culture.

While the term was originally positive, describing someone with unique and artistic tastes, it’s sometimes used sarcastically to describe people who seem to reject popular culture just for the sake of appearing different.

For example:

  • “She’s such a hipster—she only listens to bands no one else has heard of.”
  • “That coffee shop is popular with hipsters for its vintage decor and organic brews.”

Origin of this Term

The term originated in the world of jazz sometime during the 1940s. The slang term “hep” was originally used to describe fans of jazz and jazz musicians. This current term formed from this word and took on the meaning stated above over time.

Usage of Hipster

1. In a conversation about fashion:

  • “Look at that guy with the flannel shirt and thick-rimmed glasses—he’s such a hipster!”

    (Referring to someone’s fashion choices that are associated with the hipster subculture, such as vintage or retro clothing.)

2. Discussing interests or hobbies:

  • “He’s really into obscure music and artisanal coffee—total hipster vibes.”

    (Describing someone’s interests in non-mainstream activities like indie music or niche food and drinks.)

3. In a humorous or self-deprecating way:

  • “I just got this vinyl record from a local shop. Yeah, I guess I’m a bit of a hipster.”

    (Used humorously to refer to oneself as part of the hipster culture, acknowledging a fondness for retro or niche trends.)

4. In a playful critique:

  • “She only shops at thrift stores and rides a fixie bike—she’s such a hipster!”

    (Making a playful or critical comment about someone who embraces hipster lifestyle choices, such as thrifting or riding a fixed-gear bicycle.)

5. In a conversation about social trends:

  • “That new coffee shop is so hipster, with its minimalist design and cold brew on tap.”

    (Describing a trendy or upscale coffee shop that appeals to hipster culture due to its unique offerings or aesthetic.)

6. In a cultural discussion:

  • “The hipster movement really brought back vintage items and old-school technologies, like record players and Polaroid cameras.”

    (Describing the hipster culture’s influence on reviving retro and vintage items.)

7. In the context of cities or neighborhoods:

  • “That part of town is so hipster—filled with quirky art galleries, organic cafes, and boutique shops.”

    (Describing a neighborhood that has a lot of establishments or culture associated with the hipster lifestyle.)

8. In a sarcastic or critical tone:

  • “Oh great, another hipster bar with $10 cocktails and no Wi-Fi.”

    (Used sarcastically to criticize a place or experience that is perceived as being overly trendy or trying too hard to fit the hipster aesthetic.)

9. In a conversation about food trends:

  • “They only serve avocado toast and kombucha. Yep, it’s a very hipster brunch spot.”

    (Referring to food trends commonly associated with hipster culture, such as avocado toast, kombucha, or locally sourced organic ingredients.)

10. In a discussion about technology preferences:

  • “He doesn’t use an iPhone—he’s got one of those old flip phones. Total hipster move.”

    (Describing someone’s intentional choice to use outdated or less mainstream technology, often associated with a desire to be different or unique.)

Related Terms to “Hipster”

  • Bohemian (or Boho): Someone with an unconventional lifestyle, often artistic and free-spirited, embracing creativity and nonconformity.
  • Indie: Short for independent, often describes people who appreciate indie music, films, and other independent cultural expressions.
  • Vintage Enthusiast: A person with a strong love for vintage or retro styles, including clothing, decor, and music.
  • Minimalist: Someone who values simplicity and prefers fewer possessions, often focusing on quality over quantity.
  • Beatnik: Originally part of the 1950s counterculture, describing those with an interest in art, poetry, and jazz, similar in spirit to the modern hipster.
  • Alternative: Describes people who favor alternative music, fashion, and lifestyle choices, often outside of mainstream culture.
  • Eco-conscious: People who prioritize environmental sustainability, often reflected in their lifestyle choices, such as sustainable fashion or organic foods.
  • Artisan: Someone who values handcrafted, small-batch, or artisanal goods, often supporting local businesses.
  • Creative: Used to describe individuals with a strong passion for artistic expression, often fitting with hipster aesthetics.
  • DIY Enthusiast: A person who loves creating or customizing things themselves, from crafts to clothing, embracing the do-it-yourself mentality.

Synonyms for Hipster

There are several synonyms for this slang term. Some of the other words you could use in its place include:

  • liberal
  • free spirit
  • freethinker

“Hipster” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “That coffee shop is a popular spot for hipsters with its retro decor and vinyl record collection.”
  • “He’s a true hipster, always on the lookout for vintage clothes and vinyl records.”
  • “Only a hipster would brew their coffee in a French press every morning.”
  • “She’s such a hipster—she prefers typewriters over laptops for writing.”
  • “The new neighborhood has a lot of hipster boutiques selling handmade jewelry and organic skincare.”
  • “As a hipster, he loves finding indie bands that haven’t hit the mainstream yet.”
  • “Their house has a distinct hipster vibe, with thrifted furniture and houseplants everywhere.”
  • “He fits the hipster stereotype with his thick-rimmed glasses and love for old film cameras.”
  • “She’s known as the neighborhood hipster for always supporting local farmers and artisanal markets.”
  • “He might seem like a hipster, but he genuinely loves the vintage style and indie music.”

Conversation Examples

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Would you consider me a hipster?
  • Friend 2: Slightly. Your taste in music is a little strange, but you dress mainstream. You’re only half-hipster. LOL!
  • Friend 1: LOL! Thanks! Tommy called me a hipster today and I had no idea how to respond.

An online discussion between two Facebook users.

  • User 1: This hipster thinks he is so much better than everyone else simply because he doesn’t fit into the mainstream.
  • User 2: I never proclaimed that I was better than anyone else. I was simply saying I don’t agree with you. Quit being so easily offended.
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