Hip (slang)

:For other uses of the term, see hip.

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Hip, or hep, is a slang term; an adjective meaning "fashionably current" or one to refer to someone who is conversant with or deeply involved in a particular trend or subject.

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The term originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the late 1920s. "Hip" is derived from the earlier form "hep", but despite research and speculation by both amateur and professional etymologists, the origins of the "hip" and "hep" are disputed.

Related Topics:
African American Vernacular English - Etymologist

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However many etymologists believe that, like the words "jazz", "dig" and "banana", the terms "hip", "hep" and "hepcat" derive from the term "hepicat", which occurs in the West African Wolof language, and means "one who has his eyes open".

Related Topics:
Jazz - Banana - Wolof

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Like many other terms, this usage is believed to have come into English from Wolof or other related languages spoken by the West African people who were kidnapped and taken as slaves to the Americas.

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http://slate.msn.com/id/2110811 http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhip.html.

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Made fun of by the comedy album How To Speak Hip by Del Close and John Brent.

Related Topics:
How To Speak Hip - Del Close - John Brent

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