hepcat

[hep-kat]

noun

Older Slang.

1. a performer or admirer of jazz, especially swing.

2. a person who is hep; hipster.

hepcat

/ ˈhɛpˌkæt /

noun

1. obsolete,  a person who is hep, esp a player or admirer of jazz and swing in the 1940s

Word History and Origins

Origin of hepcat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; hep ¹ + cat ( def. )

Example Sentences

But few in the classic ska world were prepared for Hepcat’s singer Greg Lee to die of a brain aneurysm and cardiac arrest at the terribly young age of 53 on March 19.

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Lee, who co-founded the band in the late ’80s, released six albums with Hepcat that informed the SoCal ska wave of ’90s acts like No Doubt and Sublime.

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Greg Lee, co-lead singer of stalwart L.A. ska group Hepcat, died March 19.

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Hepcat was slated to perform at the highly anticipated SoCal festival No Values at the Pomona Fairplex on June 8.

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“He has touched the lives and hearts of so many people all around the world through music and travel. His songs with Hepcat helped so many of us in both joyous and even depressing times. He has inspired so many to create, dance, sing, and love. Myself included. His unique talents and presence will forever be unmatched,” his partner, Mandie Becker, wrote in an Instagram post.

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