beatnik Definition
a young person in the 1950s and early 1960s belonging to a subculture associated with the beat generation, characterized by their rejection of conventional values and often expressed through their artistic and literary works.
Using beatnik: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "beatnik" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The beatniks were known for their unconventional lifestyles and artistic pursuits.
Example
Jack Kerouac was a famous beatnik writer.
Example
The beatnik movement had a significant impact on American culture in the 1950s and 1960s.
beatnik Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for beatnik
Phrases with beatnik
the fashion style associated with the beatnik subculture, characterized by black turtlenecks, berets, and sunglasses
Example
The beatnik chic look became popular among young people in the 1960s.
poetry written by beatnik writers, characterized by free verse, spontaneous composition, and unconventional subject matter
Example
Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl' is a famous example of beatnik poetry.
a coffeehouse that served as a gathering place for beatniks to socialize, perform, and share their artistic works
Example
The Gaslight Cafe in Greenwich Village was a famous beatnik coffeehouse in the 1950s and 1960s.
Origins of beatnik
from 'beat' + '-nik', influenced by Sputnik, the first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957
Summary: beatnik in Brief
The term 'beatnik' [ˈbiːtnɪk] refers to a subculture of young people in the 1950s and early 1960s who rejected conventional values and expressed themselves through their artistic and literary works. The beatnik movement had a significant impact on American culture, and its fashion style, beatnik chic, became popular among young people. Beatnik poetry is characterized by free verse, spontaneous composition, and unconventional subject matter. Beatnik coffeehouses served as gathering places for beatniks to socialize and share their artistic works.
