The updated hipster

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By Kacie Leach

Amanda  Yuen, "the punk" and Jessica Eiman, "the California boho girl" compare each others  "tumblr" outfits on Monday Sep.21 in the back quad.
Amanda Yuen, “the punk” and Jessica Eiman, “the California boho girl” compare each others “tumblr” outfits on Monday Sep.21 in the back quad.

Tumblr: it’s not just an app; it’s not just a website; it’s not just a drinking cup; it’s also a compliment.

Most people know Tumblr as a website or blog in which you can repost other people’s photos, quotes, videos, and gifs, or post your own content. Tumblr is probably the only social media network that it’s acceptable not to follow your bff on. But why are people using the word tumblr in the context of “You’re so tumblr,” or “Omg, your room is so tumblr?” Well, tumblr is almost like the new “hipster,” keyword” almost.”

Tumblr can be broken down into a few categories; punk, grunge, hippie, boho, New York style, and California style. Punk or grunge, is about lots of denim, black clothing, band-tees, Doc Martens, and listening to the Black Keys or Blink 182. Second is the hippie or boho look, meaning flowy pants, a 70’s vibe, no shoes, John Lennon sunglasses, and listening to Fleetwood Mac or The Who. Third is the New York style, which is a spin on the punk look but with more of a classy, Urban Outfitters feel, with coffee drinking, wearing Ray Bans and probably listening to Alt-J or Drake. Lastly there’s the California style, which is a spin on the boho look but with less clothing, more bathing suits and more penny boarding while jamming to Cage the Elephant or The Kooks.

There are more styles, and each one has more depth to it. These are just the basics, and most teenagers of the “You’re so tumblr” category can be categorized into one of these four styles. Today’s generation is swept up in being in with what’s “cool” or “rad,” yet no one can put a finger on what that is exactly because everyone sees cool differently.

The 70s remind us of rebellious teens going to Woodstock and being free. The 90s remind of us punk and rebellious teens who smoked cigarettes too young and liked to wear a little too much eyeliner. There is yet to be a distinctive characteristic to this generation. Depending on the person, individuals have taken on the role of each previous decade.

Walking down the halls you can easily point out the kids that are inspired by the 70s or those inspired by the 90s. There’s no right or wrong style, and, for some reason, the word “tumblr” wraps up each type of style into one word.

It’s something that’s hard to explain, and not everyone grasps the concept of “tumblr.” If you’re confused reading this, chances are you don’t get it, but if you found yourself nodding along in agreement, you understand, and you’re probably in one of the tumblr categories.

The next time you hear someone say “You’re so tumblr,” just know that they’re trying to give you a compliment. Tumblr is basically the updated version of hipster, no one wants to call themselves a hipster, but being called one is considered cool and rad.