Hipper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hipper
[ˈhɪpər ]
Definition
fashionable style
The term 'hipper' is a comparative form of the adjective 'hip', implying that something or someone is more trendy or stylish than another. It often refers to being aware of the latest trends in music, fashion, and culture. In contemporary usage, being hipper can denote a sense of sophistication and an understanding of what's currently popular or avant-garde. It is commonly used among younger generations and in informal contexts.
Synonyms
chicer, cooler, stylish, trendier.
Examples of usage
- She's definitely the hipper one in our group.
- This café has a much hipper vibe than the one downtown.
- He always wears the hipper brands that everyone is talking about.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The term has been popularized in various songs and movies that depict youth culture, reflecting ever-changing trends.
- Hip-hop culture has also adopted the term, with artists often using it to describe someone who is ahead in style or music.
- Television shows like 'Friends' and 'How I Met Your Mother' have featured characters who strive to be 'hipper' in their social circles.
Sociology
- In social groups, being 'hipper' often means having insider knowledge about trends, fashion, or music, which can create social hierarchy.
- People may use the desire to be 'hipper' than peers to shape their identities, influencing their choices in clothing, hobbies, and social circles.
Linguistics
- Linguistically, 'hip' and its variations demonstrate how language evolves to capture cultural phenomena and shifts in youth identity.
- 'Hipper' serves as an example of comparative adjectives that enrich English language expressions about social status and trends.
Psychology
- Striving to be perceived as hipper can lead to social behaviors motivated by peer acceptance and the need for conformity.
- Research indicates that individuals who feel they are 'hipper' tend to exhibit higher self-esteem and may engage more in social activities.
Origin of 'hipper'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hip' originated in the 1900s, used by jazz musicians to describe something or someone cool or in-the-know.
- Adding 'er' to 'hip' was a popular way to form comparative adjectives in English, showing something is more than just hip.
- In the 1960s, 'hip' became associated with the counterculture movement, further evolving the meaning of 'hipper' as it related to lifestyle.
The word 'hip' has its origins in the African American vernacular of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was rooted in the culture of jazz music and the social scene of urban centers like New York City. Deriving from the word 'hippie' which emerged during the 1960s counterculture movement, 'hip' began to signify someone who was in tune with the latest cultural trends. The comparative form 'hipper' naturally followed as language evolved to express degrees of trendiness or style. As youth culture flourished through the decades, especially with the explosion of popular music and fashion in the 1970s and 1980s, 'hipper' became a tool for expressing social identity and cultural capital among young people, often used in a playful or ironic manner.