beatnik

[ beet-nik ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) a member of the Beat Generation.
2. a person who rejects or avoids conventional behavior, dress, etc.

beatnik

/ ˈbiːtnɪk /

noun

1. a member of the Beat Generation (sense 1)
2. informal.
   any person with long hair and shabby clothes

Word History and Origins

Origin of beatnik¹

1955–60, Americanism; beat (adj.) (as in Beat Generation ) + -nik

Word History and Origins

Origin of beatnik¹

C20: from beat (n) + -nik , by analogy with Sputnik

Example Sentences

While the plan has room for a few beatniks and a couple comparatively progressive intellectuals, most recruits are assigned to take on traditional roles of the era.

From Washington Blade

Guggenheim pulled the confirmed bachelor into her coven of beatnik friends.

From The Daily Beast

After World War II, the Village went through an enormous renaissance as the bohemian beatnik art place.

From The Daily Beast

At an underground party, Joyce introduced Peggy to her friend Abe Drexler (Charlie Hofheimer), a beatnik journalist.

From The Daily Beast

That was the only place in town, as I understood, from the reports, outside of the beatnik place they could.

From Project Gutenberg

He was far, far different than the laughing, beatnik jabbering, youngster he had always seemed.

From Project Gutenberg