

(Creative Commons photo/Hipsters: Among us)

(Before you roll your eyes, know that the term “hipster” is reaching the highest echelons of U.S. government: Bicycle-loving Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was recently told he may even be one himself.)

“I don’t even know what that term means,” he told the playfully accusatory Huffington Post.

What does being a “hipster” mean, exactly? You know it when you see it: Skinny denim, flannel, facial hair and an almost pained desire to go against the mainstream. I’ve seen the movement manifested in a roommate, bless her, whose idea of a good time involves hanging out in apothecary museums and installing a beehive in our backyard.

From UrbanDictionary.com, a definition:

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20’s and 30’s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.



D.C. trails behind Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Massachusetts and Illinois for BuzzFeed’s sixth-place placement, so I’m wondering what you think of the honor. Where is D.C.’s Ultimate Hipster Locale? Tell me in the comments below or by using #DCSuperlatives. Coming soon: A hipster-friendly map based on your suggestions.

If you need inspiration, check out these training videos: