Being a hipster is fundamentally based on trying to be “untrendy” and thinking you have your own style. When many “untrendy” and “totally unique,” city-dwelling, men and women, who are mostly college students or college graduates, come together and unintentionally form a subculture, you end up with what has come to be known as “the hipster scene.” Hipsters are the “anti-trend” trend followers par excellence. All hipsters think that they come from diverse backgrounds, with diverse tastes in music, fashion, art, etc. They try to be as obscure as they can, so they can seem as intellectual and as unique as possible. But, because none of them really are intelligent or unique, they fail to come off as either, and instead, many of their behaviors end up rubbing off on one another.
In order to be a hipster you CANNOT call yourself a hipster. A person who thinks of him or herself, and identifies as, a hipster is automatically NOT a hipster. This is because you must believe that you are untrendy and different in order to be a real hipster, and by labeling yourself a “hipster” you are clearly declaring that you belong to a subculture, and hence, that you are a trendy little bastard. Thus, being a hipster is fundamentally based on denial and self-negation. That's why the common and seemingly binding behaviors we see among hipsters change every so often. For example, hipsters used to be known to buy all their cloths at thrift stores. But, because hipsters are "anti-trends," this activity is slowly dying amongst them. They have become aware of the popularity of the practice and hence, of its trendiness. Hipster culture is fluid and ever-changing because it is based on maintaining the appearance of diversity and difference. Therefore, hipsters can never be defined by the cloths they wear, the music they listen to, the places they go, or the topics they discuss. Here are the necessary conditions for being a hipster: (a) you must think that you are extremely different from everyone else, (b) you must think that you are in the intellectual elite and that you have a unique perspective on things, (c) you must try to be as ironic as possible, and act and think like you have the most obscure and elite taste in music, art, literature, and fashion, (d) you must go to parties with people who answer criterions a, b, and c (if you don’t surround yourself with other “different” and “unique” people, who are you going to be an "untrendy" hipster with?), and most importantly (e) You must never think of yourself or identity as - a hipster!!
Note that this is where things become a bit more complicated. If the hipster becomes aware of the paradox of being a hipster (self-negating, “anti-trend” trend), then they can start identifying themselves as hipsters and by doing so they would be ironic and different in comparison to everyone else in the hipster scene, who have yet to discover their self-negating natures! This will cause an infinite regression within the hipster, because you cannot identify yourself as a hipster in order to be a hipster, but by calling yourself a hipster and being aware of the paradox, you are being a complete hipster, but you cannot be a hipster if you identify as one...and so forth...into eternity.
In order to be a hipster you CANNOT call yourself a hipster. A person who thinks of him or herself, and identifies as, a hipster is automatically NOT a hipster. This is because you must believe that you are untrendy and different in order to be a real hipster, and by labeling yourself a “hipster” you are clearly declaring that you belong to a subculture, and hence, that you are a trendy little bastard. Thus, being a hipster is fundamentally based on denial and self-negation. That's why the common and seemingly binding behaviors we see among hipsters change every so often. For example, hipsters used to be known to buy all their cloths at thrift stores. But, because hipsters are "anti-trends," this activity is slowly dying amongst them. They have become aware of the popularity of the practice and hence, of its trendiness. Hipster culture is fluid and ever-changing because it is based on maintaining the appearance of diversity and difference. Therefore, hipsters can never be defined by the cloths they wear, the music they listen to, the places they go, or the topics they discuss. Here are the necessary conditions for being a hipster: (a) you must think that you are extremely different from everyone else, (b) you must think that you are in the intellectual elite and that you have a unique perspective on things, (c) you must try to be as ironic as possible, and act and think like you have the most obscure and elite taste in music, art, literature, and fashion, (d) you must go to parties with people who answer criterions a, b, and c (if you don’t surround yourself with other “different” and “unique” people, who are you going to be an "untrendy" hipster with?), and most importantly (e) You must never think of yourself or identity as - a hipster!!
Note that this is where things become a bit more complicated. If the hipster becomes aware of the paradox of being a hipster (self-negating, “anti-trend” trend), then they can start identifying themselves as hipsters and by doing so they would be ironic and different in comparison to everyone else in the hipster scene, who have yet to discover their self-negating natures! This will cause an infinite regression within the hipster, because you cannot identify yourself as a hipster in order to be a hipster, but by calling yourself a hipster and being aware of the paradox, you are being a complete hipster, but you cannot be a hipster if you identify as one...and so forth...into eternity.
David: I took a karate class in college, I wear designer cloths, I ironically work at a dry cleaners store, I got a 1600 on my SAT, and I like Merzbow, Joy Division, and Slayer
Tom: You’re a hipster
David: No I’m not!
Tom: You’re a hipster
David: No I’m not!
by Narrow Souls July 3, 2008
Get the Hipstermug. a person who refuses to be defined by any set idea, style. one who does not like to be pigeon holed. not to be confused with poser or "scene". Hipsters, although taste is relative, generally have very good taste. they prefer films which appeal to intellect or emotion and avoid cliche, sentiment and the generic. they like bands that most people have never heard of because they actually care about music and seek it out as opposed to just swallowing the first thing which comes to them like the majority or people do. music-wise they will listen to many different stles but nothing which is too self indulgent (incorporating mastabatory guitar solos) or just plain derogatory (gangster rap) but will listen to hip-hop and other types of "black" music, albeit underground. they like to be challenged and therefore read books deemed as difficult or "deep" to the average person. they are also often interested in contemporary art for this same reason. no true hipster will have a definitive style, choosing many different styles and will prefer to look different from one day to the next. their wardrobe will comprise of contemporary off beat cuts and various styles from past decades and adheres to ideas of post-modernity. contrary to popular opinion (which is generally moronic) hipsters do not dress the same but, as mentioned above, change their style continually. the people who are being referred to are the pretentious posers who copy the look but lack the depth. they are always intelligent and creative and can hold good converstion on a wide range of subjects. they are also very fond of sarcasm and irony and often employ them when accosted by an imbecile. hipsters are one of the most tolerant types or people and openly embrace different races and sexualities.
people who do not like hipsters either
a) are getting them confused with people who copy the dress etc but have no personality, as it is all pretense
or
b) feel inferior because they know jack shit about real, intelligent music, original, thought provoking film and books and daringly different dress sense. basically many people feel ugly when around hipsters which is often true.
they will know about every good band before the spoon-fed masses, and will very likely be the ones who make them popular.
people who do not like hipsters either
a) are getting them confused with people who copy the dress etc but have no personality, as it is all pretense
or
b) feel inferior because they know jack shit about real, intelligent music, original, thought provoking film and books and daringly different dress sense. basically many people feel ugly when around hipsters which is often true.
they will know about every good band before the spoon-fed masses, and will very likely be the ones who make them popular.
by minikinschminikin October 15, 2008
Get the [Hipster]mug. someone, usually a teenager or 20something, who adheres to a counterculture ranging from indy-rockers to neo-hippies to skaters. they tend to define themselves by the music they listen to, and the outlandish clothes they wear. hipsters are opposed to other countercultures like goths, metal-heads, and gangstas, and they also avoid preps, eurotrash, white trash, and jocks
question: why does he only listen to bands that are never played on the radio?
answer: he's a hipster
answer: he's a hipster
by minghi April 26, 2003
Get the HIPSTERmug. "The other i was listining to this band youve probably never heard of because im a hipster thats cooler than you!"-Dylan(paul)
by Rac95 March 30, 2011
Get the Hipstermug. A hipster is a group that basically poses of other groups, like emo and prep. They wear either tight girl jeans or colored skinny jeans, a tight shirt with a lame band logo (My Chemical Romance) on it, piecerings (like snakebites), a emoish hairdo, and sometimes a bandana
by Kyle Kilgannon February 24, 2009
Get the Hipstermug. Hipster: (up-to-date summer 2009)
Used to be a pure American phenomenon but is now quickly spreading through the monster that is corporate advertising.
Hipsters are people who THINKS they are the counter culture, usually in the 20s sometimes into their late 30s. Usually have poor speech abilities and are easy to intimidate. They are not the counter culture/ revolution because they are just as consumerist as ever, the only thing that makes them unique is that they are self loathing in true nature.
Their clothing consists of bright mismatched colors and or ironic t-shirts and almost always tight jeans and fresh kicks. Sometimes they can be spotted walking around with factory made silkscreen frames around art schools. Glasses is not a requirement by if they wear a pair is always going to be a pair of dark framed plastic designer glasses. Hair is not as strict as well now that more people are negatively judging hipsters, many hide their true hipster by mixing it up. Iconic "bangs" are now disappearing as most hipsters don't want to be judged as a stupid fuck at first glance.
Hipsters always own a facebook page and have tons of pictures of themselves on their profile, shot/photoshop with artsy yet cheesy mentality in order to be ironic yet gain attention. In short, they are mostly lonely but don't have the balls to fight it.
Hipsters can be found congregating at freebie events, especially art openings and so-called indie concerts because they simply are too lazy to work/ get their hands dirty (except when they build up musk for the hipster look/scent) to get money to pay for anything.
They are required to own/ride a "fixed gear bicycle" and those who are not up-to-style or are not knowledgeable are likely to be identified quickly and disregarded by the greater hipster community. But this will only make that person even more of a hipster wannabe. High-end hipsters uses their parent's or hard earn intern dollars on Fuji bikes(~$700) or Chrome gear (~100+) while low end hipsters buy SE Drafts (~$300) and bullshit messenger bags(~$20-). They almost ride entirely with no brakes, this is not to be confused with someone trying to be a clown in the circus; they simply wanted the bike to be light and have nothing that can be stolen; which often lead to crashes and permanently damaged knees. Those who are weasels ride "freewheel" and with often front brakes, those are the most self-loathing hipsters that doesn't go all the way but still want to be a hipster. Also, most chop their handlebars so short so they can squeeze through two busses that they can barley control it anywhere even if its a wide open lane.
While they are self-described free-thinking intellectuals these hipsters are often off-the-rack as can be, some even dare to buy designer "thrift-store-look" clothing and gears with more often their parent's money than their own.
Their musical taste is only there to prove their love for a time that is not their own; 80s music for example. Hipsters are so lost they don't really believe in much of anything or know what to do with their lives so they hope to attach themselves to something that was once "great", usually something weird and alienating but easy enough so they don't have to try too hard to copy (such as Punk).
Hipsters are always an art major/drop out at some point and mostly had been an intern at a major city like NYC for some crook commercial "artist".
They hang in packs because of their low self esteem and often smoke/drink a certain brand of cigarettes and alcohol but because of recent global scrutiny some are cracking under pressure and begin doubting their own culture, their embarrassment or defiance can be felt through their speech and look; they either go all out on their look and pompous speech or they easily crack under even the slightest visual scrutiny by a passer-by.
to be continually updated until hipsterdom is history...
Used to be a pure American phenomenon but is now quickly spreading through the monster that is corporate advertising.
Hipsters are people who THINKS they are the counter culture, usually in the 20s sometimes into their late 30s. Usually have poor speech abilities and are easy to intimidate. They are not the counter culture/ revolution because they are just as consumerist as ever, the only thing that makes them unique is that they are self loathing in true nature.
Their clothing consists of bright mismatched colors and or ironic t-shirts and almost always tight jeans and fresh kicks. Sometimes they can be spotted walking around with factory made silkscreen frames around art schools. Glasses is not a requirement by if they wear a pair is always going to be a pair of dark framed plastic designer glasses. Hair is not as strict as well now that more people are negatively judging hipsters, many hide their true hipster by mixing it up. Iconic "bangs" are now disappearing as most hipsters don't want to be judged as a stupid fuck at first glance.
Hipsters always own a facebook page and have tons of pictures of themselves on their profile, shot/photoshop with artsy yet cheesy mentality in order to be ironic yet gain attention. In short, they are mostly lonely but don't have the balls to fight it.
Hipsters can be found congregating at freebie events, especially art openings and so-called indie concerts because they simply are too lazy to work/ get their hands dirty (except when they build up musk for the hipster look/scent) to get money to pay for anything.
They are required to own/ride a "fixed gear bicycle" and those who are not up-to-style or are not knowledgeable are likely to be identified quickly and disregarded by the greater hipster community. But this will only make that person even more of a hipster wannabe. High-end hipsters uses their parent's or hard earn intern dollars on Fuji bikes(~$700) or Chrome gear (~100+) while low end hipsters buy SE Drafts (~$300) and bullshit messenger bags(~$20-). They almost ride entirely with no brakes, this is not to be confused with someone trying to be a clown in the circus; they simply wanted the bike to be light and have nothing that can be stolen; which often lead to crashes and permanently damaged knees. Those who are weasels ride "freewheel" and with often front brakes, those are the most self-loathing hipsters that doesn't go all the way but still want to be a hipster. Also, most chop their handlebars so short so they can squeeze through two busses that they can barley control it anywhere even if its a wide open lane.
While they are self-described free-thinking intellectuals these hipsters are often off-the-rack as can be, some even dare to buy designer "thrift-store-look" clothing and gears with more often their parent's money than their own.
Their musical taste is only there to prove their love for a time that is not their own; 80s music for example. Hipsters are so lost they don't really believe in much of anything or know what to do with their lives so they hope to attach themselves to something that was once "great", usually something weird and alienating but easy enough so they don't have to try too hard to copy (such as Punk).
Hipsters are always an art major/drop out at some point and mostly had been an intern at a major city like NYC for some crook commercial "artist".
They hang in packs because of their low self esteem and often smoke/drink a certain brand of cigarettes and alcohol but because of recent global scrutiny some are cracking under pressure and begin doubting their own culture, their embarrassment or defiance can be felt through their speech and look; they either go all out on their look and pompous speech or they easily crack under even the slightest visual scrutiny by a passer-by.
to be continually updated until hipsterdom is history...
Did you see what that mutha-fucking hipster did just now? He just got on his fucking hip-wagon of a bike by flipping his twig of a leg wrapped in skin tight jeans over those fucking tiny handle bars, what a fucking loser.... look! he tripped on his own bike hahahahaha!
by singleservingfrd August 28, 2009
Get the Hipstermug. Hipsters are the young people who thrive well in the current high-velocity society, but prefer not to be a part of larger commercial institutes, in which adaptability and speed are very useful means of getting successful. They highly appreciate creativity, and always manage to quickly establish 'the latest and coolest' places and entities of art. In that sense, they form a solid subculture of versatile progressiveness. Their constant avant-garde position sets them apart from the rest of society, which offers them a sense of dignity. This sense of dignity mainly comes down to being different, but still being able to do well, and therefore be superior, for they would not need the community at large. A striking example of this is the do-it-yourself attitude of many of the older 'hipsters'. However, because they are at that front position collectively, their self-respect from thriving without the rest of society, especially the parents, is under threat. This results in them fetishising uniqueness. This paradox of a community hating on conformity is reinforced by its worship of other-ness; that drives them to continuously move ahead, away from 'the rest', to feel special over and over, and thus constantly worthy as anti-conformists. It's for this reason that hipsters despise being called one; it labels them.
The paradoxal nature of hipster culture is underlined by their ambiguous approach to materialism; they reject it, but attach great value to clothing in particular, to liberalism; they pledge for individual freedom, but do not believe in full individual responsibility, to sexual divergence; hipster men grow beards and hipster women admire innocence but are androgynous at the same time, and to vintage culture, which they embrace but always adjust.
Daniel is a hipster: he wears vintage clothes that are accepted as cool and alternative, listens to bands that are on the rise and mix traditional post-punk elements with sought for newness, is incredibly liberal in every sense but the economical one, regards Berlin as his Mecca, has a new favourite bar every couple of months, never engages in long-term romantic relationships, does not see gay culture as threatening for society's perception of masculinity, since that perception is already disadvantageous to his androgyny, portrays himself as having extraordinairily good taste and being unique and does all of this together with his peers.
Daniel is a hipster: he wears vintage clothes that are accepted as cool and alternative, listens to bands that are on the rise and mix traditional post-punk elements with sought for newness, is incredibly liberal in every sense but the economical one, regards Berlin as his Mecca, has a new favourite bar every couple of months, never engages in long-term romantic relationships, does not see gay culture as threatening for society's perception of masculinity, since that perception is already disadvantageous to his androgyny, portrays himself as having extraordinairily good taste and being unique and does all of this together with his peers.
by Anders Denks-Om July 26, 2012
Get the Hipstermug.