Both a genre of music and...something else.
The music: Alternative and indie are similar, and both came from college rock, which is what happened when goth became more mainstream (and goth was what happened when punk became more mainstream). The difference between alternative and indie is simple. Indie bands are on an independent label (or unsigned) and alternative bands aren't. Thus, alternative is more 'mainstream' than indie.
The...other thing: Like most music, people who listen to it are sometimes labeled by it. Alternative and indie are once again similar, but often times indie kids are contemptuous of alternative kids because they're mainstream, which is stupid because the whole point is the music, and is also the reason that punk and goth etc. died because they became 'mainstream'. Thus, sometimes indie kids are obsessed with not becoming mainstream, and consider bands that sign with a major label and the people who listen to the sellouts. Alternative kids usually care less about that (even if they listen to indie bands) and listen to the music that they like, even if it isn't indie or even alternative or rock, the music they like is the music they like. Like indie kids though, alternative kids will never label themselves that way, and no one will ever label them that way either, except to say 'people who listen to alt'. If you label yourself that way, you're probably just like someone who labels themselves punk or goth, trying to be 'unique' instead of yourself.
The music: Alternative and indie are similar, and both came from college rock, which is what happened when goth became more mainstream (and goth was what happened when punk became more mainstream). The difference between alternative and indie is simple. Indie bands are on an independent label (or unsigned) and alternative bands aren't. Thus, alternative is more 'mainstream' than indie.
The...other thing: Like most music, people who listen to it are sometimes labeled by it. Alternative and indie are once again similar, but often times indie kids are contemptuous of alternative kids because they're mainstream, which is stupid because the whole point is the music, and is also the reason that punk and goth etc. died because they became 'mainstream'. Thus, sometimes indie kids are obsessed with not becoming mainstream, and consider bands that sign with a major label and the people who listen to the sellouts. Alternative kids usually care less about that (even if they listen to indie bands) and listen to the music that they like, even if it isn't indie or even alternative or rock, the music they like is the music they like. Like indie kids though, alternative kids will never label themselves that way, and no one will ever label them that way either, except to say 'people who listen to alt'. If you label yourself that way, you're probably just like someone who labels themselves punk or goth, trying to be 'unique' instead of yourself.
Indie kid: Death Cab for Cutie is a sellout! I'm never going to listen to them again, they were on a major label and got mentioned on a TV show. Now tons of people are going to listen to them and that makes them stupid.
Alternative kid: Sure, that sucks and all, but I still like their music, so I don't care that much.
Alternative kid: Sure, that sucks and all, but I still like their music, so I don't care that much.
by boredtodeath October 30, 2005
by Seven Hyde December 13, 2008
An 'Alternative' is a person or group of people (usually in their teens) who don't fit into any particular labelled group (goths, grungers, chavs, skaters, etc).
They listen to what they want and wear what they want but are rarely associated with people like chavs and townies.
They are similar to rockers in some ways but are usually more individual.
They listen to what they want and wear what they want but are rarely associated with people like chavs and townies.
They are similar to rockers in some ways but are usually more individual.
Chav 1: Oh My GoD yOu LiStEn To MeTaLlIcA yOu GrUnGeR!!111ONE
Chav 2: YoU lIsTeN tO dAsHbOaRd CoNfEsSiOnAl YoU'rE sO eMo!!111OnE
Chav 3: If YoU lIsTeN tO rOcK tHeN yOu'Re A rOcKeR!!111one
Alternative: Actually I'm alternative. I prefer not to conform to your stupid labels.
Chav 2: YoU lIsTeN tO dAsHbOaRd CoNfEsSiOnAl YoU'rE sO eMo!!111OnE
Chav 3: If YoU lIsTeN tO rOcK tHeN yOu'Re A rOcKeR!!111one
Alternative: Actually I'm alternative. I prefer not to conform to your stupid labels.
by Izzibella September 12, 2005
A generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy, specifically AC Power (alternating current). These are usually found in automobiles. They make it go by charging the battery and maintaining an electrical current to one or more of the following items: a) spark plugs, b) air conditioning, c) stereo, d) power windows, e) various pumping mechanisms... etc.
by quaker oatmeal July 26, 2003
who the fuck knows anymore
DUDE- can someone tell what alternative means?
DUDE2- its lost its meaning, so don't think about it.
DUDE2- its lost its meaning, so don't think about it.
by nostaw tarum December 18, 2007
Alternative is whatever you define it as. Whether you see alternative as emo, punk, goth, stoner,( which are all just pointless, ignorant, stupid labels made by stupid people who cant use thier brains to think for themselves ) doesnt matter. A person may dress "gothic" but that doesnt make them goth. They are just being themselves.And that is what being alternative means- being yourself, and not letting others tell you how to act and how to be. Being alternative means that you are yourself, and that you dont label yourself as anything. The people who say " I'm Goth" or "I'm Punk" arent really so.
Leave the stupid stereotypes and get with the real picture. Let people be who they want and live their lives. Alternative , in simple terms, is just being yourself, being a little different and out there occasionally, and just being your own person. And by the way - even if someone appears to be the stereotype of something - goth jock punk emo whatever - they can still be alternative. Its your personality - not your looks - that makes someone alternative.
Leave the stupid stereotypes and get with the real picture. Let people be who they want and live their lives. Alternative , in simple terms, is just being yourself, being a little different and out there occasionally, and just being your own person. And by the way - even if someone appears to be the stereotype of something - goth jock punk emo whatever - they can still be alternative. Its your personality - not your looks - that makes someone alternative.
Ignorant Fool - "Hey look at that kid. He's wearing black clothes and eyeliner. He must be some gothic fag!
( Fag is another word that all the idiotic, small minded, judgemental ignorant people use to put down homosexuals or anyone different to them. And by the way, there is nothing wrong with homosexuals. They are living people, just like everyone else, and should be given every single right that heterosexual people have.)
Alternative Kid - (In Response) " Hey look at that kid. He's using stereotypes to judge me just because I dont behave like an immature moron or look like he does - he obviously has no idea what alternative means! I wonder if he has any idea how ignorant and stupid he sounds right now ?"
( Fag is another word that all the idiotic, small minded, judgemental ignorant people use to put down homosexuals or anyone different to them. And by the way, there is nothing wrong with homosexuals. They are living people, just like everyone else, and should be given every single right that heterosexual people have.)
Alternative Kid - (In Response) " Hey look at that kid. He's using stereotypes to judge me just because I dont behave like an immature moron or look like he does - he obviously has no idea what alternative means! I wonder if he has any idea how ignorant and stupid he sounds right now ?"
by "Mizuti" July 4, 2006