Hip: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽต
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hip

 

[hษชp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A style of popular music combining jazz, blues, and rock elements, characterized by improvisation and syncopation.

Synonyms

rap, urban.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hip

Shortened form of 'hip-hop', referring to the genre of music or culture characterized by rap, DJing, and street art.

  • He loves listening to hip-hop music.
  • The event featured some of the biggest names in hip.
rap

Specific to the music genre characterized by rhythmic and rhyming speech. Also can refer to the act of performing this type of music.

  • He's known for his rapid-fire rap lyrics.
  • They organized a rap battle at the club.
urban

Used to describe things related to cities or city life. Often employed to signify contemporary culture within metropolitan areas, which can include slang, fashion, and lifestyle.

  • She prefers the urban lifestyle over living in the countryside.
  • Urban art often reflects the dynamic life of the city.

Examples of usage

  • She loves to dance to hip-hop music.
  • Hip-hop culture has a significant influence on today's youth.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal

Fashionable and up-to-date.

Synonyms

cool, trendy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hip

Used to describe someone who is fashionable or aware of the latest trends, often in a more underground or counter-culture sense.

  • That new coffee shop is really hip; everyone's talking about it.
  • She always knows about the most hip places to hang out.
trendy

Refers to something that is currently popular or up-to-date with the latest fashion or culture, often used for a positive connotation.

  • High-waisted jeans are really trendy right now.
  • She has such a trendy wardrobe!
cool

A general term for something or someone that is admired, stylish, or impressive, suitable for many informal situations.

  • I love your jacket; itโ€™s so cool!
  • He's a really cool guy, very easy to get along with.

Examples of usage

  • She always wears the latest hip clothing.
  • His new haircut is really hip.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hip' originated from the 1900s American slang, initially referring to being informed or aware.
  • It may have roots in African-American Vernacular English, particularly from jazz culture in the 1940s.
  • The term was popular in beatnik culture, symbolizing someone who is in-the-know or stylish.

Pop Culture

  • In the 1960s, 'hip' became a defining characteristic of the counterculture movement, highlighting those who embraced alternative lifestyles.
  • Hip-hop culture, which started in the 1970s, widely adopted the term, often associated with music, dance, and art.
  • Fashion icons and influencers often use 'hip' to describe styles that are in vogue, linking the term directly to current trends.

Psychology

  • 'Hipness' can influence social status among peers, with perceptions of being 'hip' leading to a sense of belonging.
  • Being considered 'hip' often correlates with traits like openness to new experiences and a progressive mindset.
  • Psychologically, seeking 'hip' status can fulfill social identity needs, as people align with what is perceived as cool.

Literature

  • Writers in the Beat Generation frequently used 'hip' to describe characters who were free-spirited and nonconformist.
  • In contemporary youth literature, the concept of being 'hip' often represents the struggle for identity and authenticity in modern society.
  • Notable novels, like those by Jack Kerouac, depicted 'hip' characters as symbols of rebellion and cultural freedom.

Fashion

  • The fashion industry continually evolves its definition of 'hip', influenced by designers and street style trends.
  • The hipster movement of the 2000s brought 'hip' into focus with thrift store finds, artisanal goods, and unique styles.
  • Accessories, like wide-brim hats and vintage clothes, have become symbols of hip fashion culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "hip" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น quadril

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‚เคฒเฅเคนเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hรผfte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pinggul

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ะตะณะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ biodro

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่…ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hanche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cadera

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kalรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—‰๋ฉ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุฑูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kyฤel

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bedro

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‡€้ƒจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kolk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjaรฐmir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะผะฑะฐั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒซแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bud

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cadera

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,570 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.