The term Beatnik was first coined by Herb Caen in an article published by the San Francisco Chronicle on April 2, 1958. Caen coined the term by essentially Russifying the earlier term, Beat generation. The description beat generation was an earlier... [more]
The term Beatnik was first coined by Herb Caen in an article published by the San Francisco Chronicle on April 2, 1958. Caen coined the term by essentially Russifying the earlier term, Beat generation. The description beat generation was an earlier label invented ca. 1948 by renowned author, Jack Kerouac. Caen coined the term, beatnik, shortly after the historical launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik and also at the end of the highly anti-communist McCarthy era of American politics.
In fashion, the Beatniks with their stereotypical sunglasses, berets, black turtlenecks, and unadorned dark clothing provided another fashion alternative for youths of both sexes during the 1960s.
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