subculture Definition
- 1a cultural group within a larger culture, often having beliefs or interests at variance with those of the larger culture
- 2a group of people within a society that has its own shared set of customs, attitudes, and values, often accompanied by jargon or slang
Using subculture: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "subculture" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The punk subculture emerged in the 1970s as a reaction to mainstream culture.
Example
The goth subculture is known for its dark fashion and music preferences.
Example
The hip-hop subculture originated in African American and Latino communities in the Bronx in the 1970s.
subculture Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for subculture
- counterculture
- underground culture
- alternative culture
Antonyms for subculture
- mainstream culture
- dominant culture
Phrases with subculture
a subculture that is primarily composed of young people, often characterized by distinctive styles, music, and attitudes
Example
The mods and rockers were two youth subcultures in the UK in the 1960s.
a subculture in which violence is an accepted norm or even encouraged
Example
Some criminologists argue that certain neighborhoods have a subculture of violence that contributes to high crime rates.
a subculture that exists primarily online, often centered around a particular interest or fandom
Example
The Bronies are an internet subculture of adult fans of the animated TV show My Little Pony.
Origins of subculture
from Latin 'sub-' meaning 'below' and 'culture'
Summary: subculture in Brief
A 'subculture' [ˈsʌbkʌltʃə(r)] is a group of people within a larger culture who share their own customs, attitudes, and values that differ from those of the larger culture. It can be characterized by distinctive styles, music, and attitudes, such as the punk, goth, and hip-hop subcultures. The term also extends to online communities, known as internet subcultures. A subculture is often seen as a counterculture or alternative to mainstream culture.