hippie

American  

[hip-ee] / ˈhɪp i /

Or hippy

noun

1. a person, especially of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc.

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hippie British  

/ ˈhɪpɪ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of hippy 1

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Etymology

Origin of hippie

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; hip ⁴ + -ie

Compare meaning

How does hippie compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• beatnik vs. hippie

Example Sentences

This action inspires lovely, shimmering visuals of delicate luminescence, but Mr. Cameron’s references to becoming one with the environment would make the most earnest hippie folk singer blush.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the filmmaker’s social conscience was evident in everything he did, starting with his role as “All in the Family’s” liberal, hippie son-in law to conservative crank Archie Bunker.

From Los Angeles Times

His hippie character pushed the bigoted Bunker and viewers at home to examine their political biases.

From The Wall Street Journal

As for why a holiday event took about two decades to get off the ground, Grant cops to being a “canyon hippie” and says, “We took it one year at a time.”

From Los Angeles Times

I let him select a new bedspread and I can still remember the hippie patchwork red velvet one he chose.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bohemian
• flower child
• free spirit