Hippie Glossary: Slang Terms From The 60s

Oct 29, 2025 by Admin 42 views

The Ultimate Hippie Glossary: Decoding 60s Slang

Hey everyone! Ever stumbled upon some old songs or movies and wondered what on earth all that groovy lingo meant? You know, terms like 'far out,' 'bummer,' or 'dig it'? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the vibrant world of hippie slang! This isn't just about knowing a few funny words; it's about understanding a whole cultural movement that shaped music, fashion, and a generation's outlook on life. We're talking about the 1960s, a time of revolution, peace, and a lot of colorful language. So, whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or just curious about the origins of some phrases we still use today, this hippie glossary is your ultimate guide. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and maybe even feel a little more connected to the spirit of the flower power era. Let's get started, man!

Digging the Scene: Understanding Hippie Culture

Before we jump into the words themselves, it's super important to get a handle on the hippie movement and the context behind their unique way of speaking. The 1960s were a time of massive change, guys. The Vietnam War was raging, civil rights were a huge issue, and there was a growing dissatisfaction with mainstream society's values. The hippies, often associated with the counterculture, sought an alternative way of living. They embraced peace, love, and freedom, rejecting materialism and conformity. Their philosophy was all about exploring consciousness, often through music, art, and yes, even psychedelics. This desire for a different way of being naturally led to a different way of talking. Hippie slang wasn't just random; it was a way to create their own identity, to communicate within their community, and to express their rejection of the 'straight' or 'square' world. It was a linguistic rebellion, a way to signal who was 'in the know' and who wasn't. Think of it as a secret code for peace lovers and free spirits. Music was absolutely central to this, with artists like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jefferson Airplane using these terms in their lyrics, further popularizing them. Festivals like Woodstock became epicenters of this culture, where the language was as vibrant as the tie-dye. So, when you hear these words, remember they come from a place of seeking something different, something more. They represent a desire for authenticity, community, and a break from the established norms. It was about building a new world, one word at a time, and this hippie glossary is your ticket to understanding that beautiful, rebellious journey. It’s more than just words; it’s a window into the soul of a generation that dared to dream differently.

The Groovy Lingo: Key Terms and Definitions

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of this hippie glossary! We're going to break down some of the most iconic slang terms that defined the 60s counterculture. Get ready to add some serious flavor to your vocabulary. These words weren't just thrown around; they carried meaning, emotion, and a whole lot of attitude. Think of them as the secret handshake of the flower power generation. Understanding these terms helps us appreciate the nuances of the era and the way people expressed themselves when they were trying to break free from convention. It’s like having a backstage pass to the psychedelic 60s!

A-Bomb to Bad Trip: The A's and B's

A-Bomb: While not strictly hippie slang, the threat of nuclear war was a constant backdrop to the 60s. The hippie movement was largely anti-war, so anything related to destruction was something they actively opposed. This term represented the ultimate 'bummer,' the antithesis of peace and love. It was the 'straight' world's fear, something the hippies were trying to escape from and reject.
Acid: Short for LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), a powerful psychedelic drug. Hippie culture embraced altered states of consciousness as a means of expanding the mind and achieving spiritual insights. 'Acid' was synonymous with this exploration. It was considered a tool for deeper understanding, a way to 'tune in' to a different reality. While controversial and dangerous, its use was widespread among those seeking enlightenment outside conventional means.
All the Way: This meant to fully commit to something, to go all out. If you were 'all the way' into a cause or an idea, you were completely dedicated. It signified unwavering support and belief.
Ankle-Biter: A cute, colloquial term for a child. It reflects a more playful and less formal attitude towards family and upbringing, a contrast to more rigid societal views.
Bag: This referred to one's preoccupations or interests. For example, 'That's my bag' meant 'That's what I'm into' or 'That's my thing.' It was a way of defining personal identity and passions.
Bummer: A deeply disappointing or unpleasant experience. It's the opposite of a 'groove.' A 'bummer' could be anything from a bad trip to a friend not showing up. It was a word used to express negative feelings succinctly and effectively.
Burned Out: This described someone who was exhausted, either physically or mentally, often from overindulgence or excessive stress. It suggested a loss of energy and enthusiasm, a state of depletion.
Buzz: A feeling of excitement or stimulation, often from music, a party, or even the early effects of a substance. 'I got a good buzz from that music' meant the music was energizing and enjoyable.

C to F: Cool, Cosmic, and Far Out

Cat: A hip man, especially a jazz musician or enthusiast. This term predates the hippies but was readily adopted into their lexicon, signifying someone cool and in the know.
Chick: A young woman. Similar to 'cat,' it was informal and widely used. It's important to note that while common, some modern interpretations view these terms as dated or even objectifying, but within the 60s context, they were part of the casual vernacular.
Chill Out: To relax, calm down. This is a phrase that has definitely stood the test of time and is still commonly used today. It embodies the hippie ideal of taking things easy and not getting stressed.
Come On: This could mean 'let's go' or 'hurry up,' but it was also used to express disbelief or skepticism, similar to 'get outta here!' or 'you're kidding me.' The tone dictated the meaning.
Cool: A fundamental term meaning excellent, impressive, or fashionable. It’s the baseline of approval in hippie culture and beyond.
Cosmic: Relating to the universe, vast, or profound. Often used to describe experiences that felt deeply spiritual or mind-expanding, going beyond the ordinary. 'That concert was cosmic!' implied it was an out-of-this-world experience.
Cramp My Style: To hinder or annoy someone. If something 'cramped your style,' it interfered with your ability to be yourself or do what you wanted. It was a way of expressing personal boundaries.
Crispy: Fresh and new, or very thin. Sometimes used to describe something in good condition or someone who was skinny. Context was key here.
Crummy: Poor quality, bad, or unpleasant. Similar to 'bummer,' but often used to describe objects or situations rather than experiences. 'That was a crummy movie.'
Cut Out: To leave somewhere. 'It's time to cut out' simply meant it was time to go. It’s another phrase that’s remained in common usage.
Dig: To understand, appreciate, or like something. 'Do you dig this music?' meant 'Do you like this music?' It was a verb that implied a deeper level of appreciation.
Dope: Excellent, great, fantastic. This is another term that has made a significant comeback. If something was 'dope,' it was really good. 'That guitar solo was dope!'
Drag: A boring or tedious person or situation. The opposite of groovy. 'Don't be a drag, just enjoy the party.'
Drop Out: To leave a conventional lifestyle or educational institution, often to pursue alternative paths. This was a key concept for some hippies who rejected mainstream education and career paths.
Face: A person, often used in a slightly derogatory way, implying someone is pretentious or annoying. 'He's such a pain in the face.'
Far Out: Extremely unconventional, strange, or wonderful. This is perhaps one of the most iconic hippie terms, used to express amazement or wonder at something truly extraordinary or mind-bending. It captured the essence of psychedelic experiences and revolutionary ideas.
Fuzz: The police. A slang term used to avoid direct mention, reflecting a generally distrustful or adversarial relationship between the counterculture and law enforcement.

G to L: Good Vibes and Groovy Times

Get Down: To understand, party, or dance. It had multiple meanings depending on the context. 'Let's get down to business' meant to start working seriously, while 'Let's get down tonight' meant to party hard.
Ginormous: A portmanteau of 'gigantic' and 'enormous,' meaning extremely large. A fun, exaggerated term.
Go Ape: To become very excited or angry. Similar to losing one's temper or getting overly enthusiastic.
Good Vibes: Positive feelings, pleasant atmosphere. This phrase is central to hippie philosophy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and harmonious environment. It's about spreading good energy.
Groovy: Excellent, fashionable, wonderful. The quintessential hippie adjective. If something was 'groovy,' it was really cool and enjoyable. It embodied the positive, easy-going spirit of the era.
Hang-Up: A psychological problem or fixation. It referred to something that was bothering someone or holding them back. 'My hang-up is that I worry too much.'

M to P: Mind-Blowing and Peace

Man: A versatile term of address, used for both males and females, similar to 'dude' or 'pal.' It was a casual way to refer to anyone. 'Hey man, what's up?'
Mind-Blowing: Astonishing, awe-inspiring, often used to describe psychedelic experiences or profound insights. It suggested an experience that fundamentally altered one's perception.
Mellow: Calm, relaxed, easy-going. The opposite of uptight. Being 'mellow' was a state of being hippies aspired to. It meant being at peace with oneself and the world.
Natch: Short for 'naturally.' Used to indicate that something is obvious or expected. 'Are you coming to the concert?' 'Natch!'
Nod: To agree or show understanding, often with a slight inclination of the head. Used in conversations to indicate you're following along.
Nowhere: A state of confusion or lack of progress. If you felt 'nowhere,' you were stuck or didn't know what to do. 'I'm totally nowhere on this problem.'
Outta Sight: Amazing, fantastic, excellent. Similar to 'far out' or 'dope,' used to express strong approval or admiration.
Pad: One's home or apartment. A cozy, personal space. 'Come on over to my pad later.'
Paint-It-Black: A reference to the Rolling Stones song, often used to describe a gloomy or depressing mood or situation. It evoked a sense of darkness and despair.
Peace: A core value and greeting. 'Peace out' was a common farewell. It signified a desire for harmony and an end to conflict, both personal and global.
Peacenik: A person who advocates for peace, especially one involved in the anti-war movement. This term was often used by critics, sometimes derisively, but embraced by many within the movement.
Phenomenal: Extraordinarily good or great. A more formal word used to express high praise, fitting for describing impressive music or experiences.
Pig: A derogatory term for a police officer, reflecting the counterculture's distrust of authority.
Poo-Poo: To spoil or ruin something. 'Don't poo-poo my ideas.'
Power to the People: A political slogan expressing solidarity and the desire for empowerment of the general population. It was a rallying cry for social and political change.

R to S: Right On and Solid

Rag Top: A convertible car with a retractable roof. Often associated with cruising and a carefree lifestyle.
Right On: An expression of agreement, approval, or understanding. It's a way of saying 'that's correct' or 'I agree completely.' It's a positive affirmation.
Rock and Roll: More than just a music genre, it represented a spirit of rebellion, freedom, and youthful energy. For hippies, it was the soundtrack to their revolution.
Roots: One's origins, heritage, or fundamental principles. 'Getting back to your roots' meant reconnecting with simpler, more authentic ways of living.
Scene: The current situation, atmosphere, or environment. 'What's the scene?' meant 'What's happening?' or 'What's the vibe?'
Seriously: Used for emphasis, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. 'I'm seriously tired' meant 'I'm extremely tired.'
Shagged Out: Exhausted, worn out. Similar to 'burned out.'
Shindig: A lively party or gathering. A fun, informal get-together.
Shit: A versatile expletive used to express frustration, anger, or surprise. Its use reflected a rejection of polite, conventional language.
Shroom: A psychedelic mushroom (psilocybin). Similar to 'acid,' used in the context of exploring altered states of consciousness.
Shot Down: Rejected or unsuccessful. 'My idea got shot down.'
Sight: Something impressive or noteworthy. 'That sunset was a sight.'
Skinny: Thin. Sometimes used positively to describe someone who was slender.
Slick: Smooth, sophisticated, sometimes implies being cunning or overly polished.
Solid: Reliable, dependable, excellent. 'He's a solid guy' meant he was trustworthy and good. It also meant something was well-made or well-done.
Sould Out: Completely exhausted or lacking energy. Similar to 'burned out' or 'shagged out.'
Spaced Out: Dazed, confused, or under the influence of drugs. Often implies a disconnect from reality.
Square: A conventional, conformist person. The antithesis of a hippie. Someone who didn't 'dig' the counterculture. Often associated with the 'straight' world.
Stash: A hidden supply of something, typically drugs or money. 'I've got a little stash in my bag.'
Stone: Used as an intensifier, meaning completely or totally. 'Stone cold sober' or 'stone crazy.'
Straight: Conventional, non-hippie. Refers to mainstream society, its values, and its people. The opposite of 'groovy' or 'far out.'
Threads: Clothes, often stylish or trendy ones. 'Cool threads' meant fashionable attire.

T to Z: Tune In and Wild

Take Five: To take a short break, especially from work or a performance. Originates from jazz musicians needing a brief rest.
Tearjerker: A sad movie or story that makes you cry.
Threads: Clothes. 'Nice threads, man!'
Tickle: To amuse or entertain. 'That joke really tickled me.'
Tiedye: A style of dyeing fabric in which parts are tied to resist the dye, creating colorful, psychedelic patterns. A signature look of hippie fashion.
Tiger: A cool or exciting person. 'He's a real tiger!'
Tinny: A small van or camper. Often associated with nomadic lifestyles and road trips.
Toad: A derogatory term for an unpleasant person, often implied to be conservative or uptight.
Tonight: Used playfully to mean 'right now' or 'immediately.' 'Let's do it tonight!'
Too Much: Excellent, fantastic, overwhelming in a good way. 'That concert was too much!'
Tosh: Nonsense, rubbish. Similar to 'crap' or 'bullshit.'
Tough: Strong, resilient, able to handle difficulties. 'He's a tough guy.'
Trip: An experience, especially one involving psychedelic drugs, that alters consciousness. Could also refer to an emotional or mental journey. 'That was a wild trip!'
Troll: To mock or tease someone. Often done playfully within the community.
Tuned In: Aware, conscious, understanding. To be 'tuned in' meant to be aware of what was happening, both socially and spiritually. It was the opposite of being 'out of it.'
Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out: A famous phrase associated with Timothy Leary, encouraging people to engage with alternative consciousness, embrace change, and reject mainstream society. It encapsulates a key aspect of the counterculture philosophy.
Turn On: To become aware, enlightened, or excited. Could also refer to starting something or inciting action.
Twit: A foolish or annoying person. A mild insult.
Uncool: The opposite of cool; not fashionable or acceptable.
Upbeat: Cheerful, optimistic, positive. A desirable mood or atmosphere.
Uptight: Anxious, nervous, or excessively conventional and strict. The opposite of mellow.
Vibes: Feelings or atmosphere associated with a person, place, or situation. 'Good vibes' and 'bad vibes' were constantly assessed.
Wack: Crazy, strange, or out of control. Similar to 'far out' but often with a slightly negative or chaotic connotation.
Way Out: Similar to 'far out,' meaning extremely unconventional or strange.
Weird: Strange, unusual. Often used in a positive or intrigued way.
What's Happening: A greeting asking what's going on. 'What's happening, man?'
Wild: Exciting, unrestrained, unconventional. Often used to describe parties, music, or experiences.
Wired: Nervous, energetic, or under the influence of stimulants.
Wonted: Usual, customary. An older word sometimes used.
Word: An expression of agreement or affirmation. Similar to 'Right on' or 'Amen.' 'Did you get the tickets?' 'Word.'
Working: Busy or active. 'I'm working on a new project.'
Yeah: Yes. A simple affirmative.
Yeah Man: A common affirmation or expression of agreement.
You Dig: Do you understand? Do you agree? A question seeking confirmation.
Zap: To attack or defeat suddenly. Also used playfully.

More Than Just Words: The Legacy of Hippie Slang

So there you have it, guys! A pretty comprehensive hippie glossary to get you started. But remember, these words were more than just vocabulary; they were a reflection of a generation's spirit. They spoke of peace, love, freedom, and a desire to change the world. Many of these terms have seeped into our everyday language, proving their lasting impact. Think about 'cool,' 'chill out,' 'groovy,' and 'good vibes' – we still use them! The hippie movement may have faded as a dominant force, but its influence on culture, music, and even how we communicate is undeniable. This glossary isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a reminder of a time when language was used not just to communicate, but to create. It was about building community, expressing unique identities, and challenging the status quo. So next time you hear someone say something is 'far out' or 'dope,' you'll know it's got roots stretching back to the psychedelic 60s. Keep spreading those good vibes, and peace out!