Pop Culture · June 11, 2015
The Death of the Hipster, and the Rise of What Comes Next
The yuccie, or "young urban creative," is a product of our times, combining the style sensibilities and social justice fervor of the hipster with the financial priorities of the yuppie. In the words of Infante:
"Yuccies are hardly mythical creatures. If you live in a metropolitan area like New York or San Francisco, you probably know plenty. Theyre social consultants coordinating #sponsored Instagram campaigns for lifestyle brands; theyre brogrammers hawking Uber for weed and Tinder for dogs; theyre boutique entrepreneurs shilling sustainably harvested bamboo sunglasses."
What is a yuccie?
A yuccie has a desire to be rich (by fulfilling creative potential). Think heritage pork, not hedge funds.
A yuccie has taste for expensive things (with meaningful stories behind them).
A yuccie has a healthy dose of privilege (which they're intolerably aware of).
A yuccie has an overly expensive education (that they're actually using).
A yuccie has health insurance. And probably dental.
Some might argue that the yuccie is still a hipsterperhaps one who has finally decided to grow up. Others might argue that the yuccie is a big step backwards. Many (quite reasonably) might ask why anyone cares. But considering the trends, culture shifts, and endless ad campaigns that followed in the wake of the hipster, it might be wise to take notice.
Read the full article, complete with an "Are You a Yuccie?" quiz.
Nathaniel Nagy
Copywriter, cold brew advocate, purveyor of handcrafted birthday haikus since 2009.