In the 1960’s Hippie Generation..the times were a changin’! America became deeply involved in the Viet Nam War, the baby boomers were coming of age, a civil rights era was kicking in, protests were strong, right wing politics was questioned and Watergate break-in happened. All this created an atmosphere for a strong distrust of the Establishment (the ruling classes);by the peeople.
The ethos of the 1950’s Beat Generation continued on but; by 1967, the times became known as the 1960’s Hippie Generation. The Beatniks of the 50’s desired change but always kept a low profile. Politics and stereotypes in society were common denominators but the 1960’s Hippie Generation were louder, more aggressive and actively protested for change.
The Hippie Movement evolved from the literary Beatnik era who sported turtlenecks, short hair and beards. The Hippies were known for communal living, harmony in nature, useage of recreational drugs(lots of weed and acid) and free love. A hippie was easily recognized by their appearance with psychodelic clothing, fringes, tie dyed clothing, headbands, grannie glasses, barefeet, sandals,colorful VW vans,bellbottoms and their long hair. Also referred to as a Flower Child! The Peace symbol became their own symbol and the two finger, vee shaped, hand gesture became their greeting. Peace and Love were their mantra!
During these times; there was a new rage of music happening and music is a big influencer of the era. There was a shift from the popular Beatlemani in the early 60’s to a harder edged rock. Joe Cocker, Santana, The Who, The Band, Greatful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimmie Hendrix were popular and expressing the new times through their lyrics. I have to mention the Woodstock concert; held in Bethel NY, in August of 1969. It was the greatest outdoor concert of all time. These bands (and more); gathered in a farmers field, along with thousands of like minded and free spirited Hippies. They communed and partied for 3 solid days to celebrate and share Peace and Love! Oh to have been part of that!
As per usual; with every counter culture, new sayings and slang evolved from the chaos!
Share yer 60’s slang so we can all find our inner Hippie! Peace and Love to all y’all!
Leave a Reply