BEATNIK Meaning and
Definition
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A beatnik is a term used to refer to a member of a cultural movement that emerged in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s. The word "beatnik" combines the words "beat" (as in "beaten down" or worn out) and "Sputnik" (a Soviet satellite that was launched during this period), and was coined by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen in 1958.
Beatniks were characterized by their rejection of mainstream values, societal norms, and the traditional academic and materialistic culture of the time. They embraced an alternative lifestyle that emphasized artistic self-expression, nonconformity, and a desire for spiritual enlightenment.
Beatniks were often associated with bohemianism, jazz music, and poetry, as they sought inspiration and liberation through artistic endeavors. They rejected consumerism and sought to live in simplicity, often partaking in frugal and minimalist lifestyles.
Known for their distinctive style, beatniks were often seen wearing berets, turtleneck sweaters, dark sunglasses, and goatee beards. They were social critics who questioned authority and advocated for political and social change, often being involved in various civil rights and anti-war movements.
The term "beatnik" is now somewhat outdated, having fallen out of mainstream usage. However, it remains a significant term in cultural history, representing an important countercultural movement and a reflection of the changing society and values of post-war America.
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Etymology of BEATNIK
The word "beatnik" originated in the mid-1950s and is a portmanteau of the word "beat" and the suffix "-nik", derived from "Sputnik" (the Soviet satellite). The term "beat" was initially associated with the Beat Generation, a literary movement that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s in the United States, led by individuals such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs. The Beats rejected conformity and societal norms, embracing a countercultural and anti-establishment lifestyle.
However, the term "beatnik" was coined by a San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Herb Caen, in 1958 as a play on the word "Sputnik" to refer derogatorily to the Beat Generation.
Similar spelling words for BEATNIK
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