Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

beatnik

noun
/ˈbiːt.nɪk/
Definition
A beatnik is a member of a social and artistic movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by a rejection of conventional society and an embrace of alternative lifestyles, poetry, and jazz.
Examples
  • The coffee shop became a popular hangout for beatniks, where they shared poetry and ideas.
  • Many beatniks traveled across the country, searching for inspiration and meaning in their lives.
Meaning
The term describes individuals who are part of the Beat Generation, known for their countercultural attitudes and bohemian lifestyle.
Synonyms
  • bohemian
  • counterculturist
  • avant-garde