''The Hipster Handbook'' (2003) is a satirical guide to
hipster culture by
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Williamsburg is a Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, neighborhood in the New York City borough (New York City), borough of Brooklyn, bordered by Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Greenpoint to the north; Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Bedford–Stuyvesant to the s ...
author
Robert Lanham Robert Lanham (born 1971 in Richmond, Virginia) is the author of the satiric books ''The Hipster Handbook'', ''Food Court Druids, Cherohonkees, and Other Creatures Unique to the Republic'', and ''The Sinner's Guide to the Evangelical Right.'' He coi ...
.
It includes a
lexicon
A lexicon is the vocabulary of a language or branch of knowledge (such as nautical or medical). In linguistics, a lexicon is a language's inventory of lexemes. The word ''lexicon'' derives from Koine Greek language, Greek word (), neuter of () ...
of words such as "deck" which means "
cool
Cool commonly refers to:
* Cool, a moderately low temperature
* Cool (aesthetic), an aesthetic of attitude, behavior, and style
Cool or COOL may also refer to:
Economics
* Country of origin labelling
* mCOOL - US consumer legislation to enforc ...
" and "fin" which means "not so cool", as well as chapters that describe and explain all that which makes up a
hipster. A quiz in the back of the book rates readers on their level of hipsterdom, rewarding high scores to those who answer the questions in the manner of art school students and well-cultured, well-dressed, self-proclaimed hyper-intellectuals. ''
Esquire
Esquire (, ; abbreviated Esq.) is usually a courtesy title.
In the United Kingdom, ''esquire'' historically was a title of respect accorded to men of higher social rank, particularly members of the landed gentry above the rank of gentlema ...
'' called the book "The ''
Official Preppy Handbook'' for people who wear
Atari
Atari () is a brand name that has been owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by French publisher Atari SA through a subsidiary named Atari Interactive. The original Atari, Inc. (1972–1992), Atari, Inc., ...
T-shirts."
Critical reception
Reviews were mixed. Rick Marin, of the ''New York Times'', gave it a favorable review, though he pointed out "much of the hipsterism he sanctions seems pretty mainstream, even if it is being 'appropriated'...Such quibbles, though, won't penetrate the protective pomo coating on Lanham's mirrored shades." Ben McGrath, of ''Slate'', described the book as "so comprehensive and so well-done that only a poseur could criticize it without tongue in cheek." Others have criticized the "veiled
hostility
Hostility is seen as form of emotionally charged aggressive behavior. In everyday speech it is more commonly used as a synonym for anger and aggression.
It appears in several psychological theories. For instance it is a facet of neuroticism in ...
" and "aura of trying too hard."
A sequel was published in 2004: ''Food Court Druids, Cherohonkees and Other Creatures Unique to the Republic''.
See also
*
Grunge speak
References
External links
Origin siteAuthor site
2003 non-fiction books
Popular culture books
Satirical books
Hipster (contemporary subculture)
Anchor Books books
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