beat generation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Historical/Cultural/Literary
Quick answer
What does “beat generation” mean?
A cultural and literary movement of the 1950s, centered in the US, characterized by rejection of conventional social norms, experimentation with drugs and alternative lifestyles, and spontaneous, unpolished forms of creative expression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cultural and literary movement of the 1950s, centered in the US, characterized by rejection of conventional social norms, experimentation with drugs and alternative lifestyles, and spontaneous, unpolished forms of creative expression.
The term can refer more broadly to the members of this movement, its cultural ethos, or subsequent generations or groups who emulate its core rebellious and non-conformist attitudes. It is often used as a historical label for a specific artistic and social phenomenon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates in and primarily describes an American phenomenon. In British contexts, it is used historically/critically to discuss American literature and culture. It is less likely to be used in a purely domestic British historical context.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries strong historical and cultural weight, associated with specific figures (Kerouac, Ginsberg). In British usage, it may be viewed more as an imported American cultural moment.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, particularly in academic, literary, and historical discussions. In British English, it is a specialist term.
Grammar
How to Use “beat generation” in a Sentence
[The] Beat Generation + [verb: emerged, flourished, rejected, advocated]a member/figure/poet/writer of the Beat Generationthe literature/ethos/legacy of the Beat GenerationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beat generation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Beat Generation influences were clear in the free-form poetry.
- The book analysed the Beat Generation ethos.
American English
- She wrote her thesis on Beat Generation aesthetics.
- That café was a famous Beat Generation hangout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Only in very specific contexts like publishing or cultural marketing.
Academic
Common in literary studies, cultural history, American studies, and sociology courses discussing post-war culture.
Everyday
Rare. Used by educated speakers when discussing history, literature, or counterculture.
Technical
A standard term in literary criticism and cultural historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beat generation”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beat generation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beat generation”
- Using it as a general term for any rebellious youth (e.g., 'Today's beat generation').
- Writing it in lower case ('beat generation') in formal/academic contexts where capitalization is expected.
- Confusing it with 'Baby Boomer Generation', which is demographic, not cultural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It has a double meaning: 'weary' or 'exhausted' (from mainstream society) and 'beatific' (suggesting a blissful, spiritual state sought through experience).
Key writers included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs. Other important associated figures were Neal Cassady and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
No. The Beat Generation was primarily a 1950s literary and cultural movement. The Hippie movement was a broader 1960s social phenomenon. The Beats are often seen as precursors or inspirations for the hippies.
It is not standard. The term is strongly tied to its specific historical context. Using it for modern groups is considered a metaphorical or loose analogy, not a correct application of the term.
A cultural and literary movement of the 1950s, centered in the US, characterized by rejection of conventional social norms, experimentation with drugs and alternative lifestyles, and spontaneous, unpolished forms of creative expression.
Beat generation is usually formal/historical/cultural/literary in register.
Beat generation: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːt dʒɛnəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbit ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a drummer keeping a BEAT that's different from the mainstream music, and a GENERATION of young people in the 1950s dancing to it, tired (beat) but seeking spiritual joy.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CULTURAL EARTHQUAVE (a sudden rupture in social and artistic norms), A SPIRITUAL QUEST (the search for meaning outside materialism).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core idea associated with the Beat Generation?