The punk subculture had beginnings in the 70’s and the movement evolved far into the 80’s. This generation embraced ideas that their parents from the Hippie era could not relate to. So the punk subculture 70 & 80’s brought about great change.

Punk Movement

The punk movement was a dominant subculture of the times. They were concerned with individual freedom, DIY ethics, anti-authority, anti-corporatism, anti-consumerist and anti-establishment. They were non conformists pure and simple. Members became known as Punks and expressed themselves in grunge music or punk rock. There were factions within the punk group of new wave, post-punk, hardcore punk, street punk and pop punk.

Punk Identity

Members of the movement identified themselves differently than the hippie movement that preceeded them. Fashion statements were T shirts(often offensive/or band related), torn tight-legged jeans, leather jackets, Dr. Martin boots, high top chucks, bright colored hair, spiked mohawks, tattoos and body peircing. The women and men identified themselves in the same fashion and with equal rights. There was a strong sense of a strait edged self. One refrained from drug and alcohol or one submerged in it. Vegetarianism and animal rights grew out of this era.

Punk Rock

Music of the times was influenced by the loud and agressive theme of rock and heavy metal but from this evolved garage rock/punk rock. Garage rock was a do-it yourself method of production with a vocalist. electric guitars and drummer. The songs were short, loud, with few cords and delivering a strong message of the times. Influencers were New York Dolls, The Stooges, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Motorhead and more. The common dance was the pogo. To do so you held the body rigid and jumped up and down on the spot.9like a pogo stick) Moshing was another dance form which was body slamming. Remember the mosh pit? Crowd surfing? Think it is still a thing.

Punk Slang

Their generation stood out and their slang was a rapidly growing language. Do you identify with the punk era. Who was yer best band? Mine was Cindy Lauper! Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! There;s fond memories in yer music. Do you still talk the talk or walk the walk? Still wearin’ yer Chucks! Slang….some of the best words and sayings! Whats yer best saying? Hope yer still…. like…. totally….. saying it!