alternateen en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ɔːlˈtɜː(ɹ).nəˌtin/ (UK)
- /ɒlˈtɜː(ɹ).nəˌtin/ (UK)
- /ɔlˈtɝ.nəˌtin/ (US)
Etymology
US circa 1990, blend of alternative + teen, around popularization of alternative rock in early 1990s.
Meanings
-
A teenager with an interest in alternative rock and the associated youth counterculture, particularly with visible markers such as piercings.
By the time high school rolled around, I had become a sullen alternateen who wore a lot of black and was perpetually growing her bangs out.
2011, Tracy Nectoux, Out Behind the Desk, page 122:Even if you’re a cynical, pierced, and multiply-tattooed alterna-teen, you won’t have a dry eye after this one.
2003, Jim DeRogatis, Milk It: Collected Musings on the Alternative Music Explosion of the ’90s,, Da Capo Press, page 83:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| alterna-teen | alternative | lexicographic | |
| alternateens | Number=Plur | lexicographic |