What does hipped mean?
Hipped is an adjective with several related uses. Its literal sense refers to someone who has hips, sometimes suggesting that they are prominent or strongly shaped. In informal English, it can also describe a person who is enthusiastically interested in a particular fashion, style, music scene, or cultural subject, as in “hipped on jazz.” A further technical sense describes a hipped roof, whose sides slope inward to meet a flat top. The informal fashion-related meaning conveys approval of something current, stylish, or culturally aware, though it can sound dated or exaggerated when used too often. Because the word combines a physical description, a broad cultural attitude, and an architectural term, its meaning depends heavily on context. Overall, “hipped” is a versatile word that links bodily form, contemporary taste, and a recognizable building design.
adjectiveHaving hips, especially prominently shaped ones. In informal use, highly interested in or devoted to a particular fashion, culture, or style; also used of a roof with sloping sides and a flat top.
- Having hips, especially hips that are prominent or well-shaped.
- Informally, enthusiastically interested in or devoted to a particular fashion, culture, style, or subject.
- Of a roof: having sloping sides that meet a flat top.
"The hipped roof gives the modern farmhouse a clean, angular profile."
"The dancers moved with fluid, hipped poses that emphasized the rhythm of the music."
"She is hipped on vintage design and often spends weekends hunting for distinctive clothes."
A word that can describe the shape of a roof, the shape of a person, and someone who knows every trend before it becomes famous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hipped come from?
The adjective “hipped” is formed from “hip” with the suffix “-ed.” Its literal use meaning “having hips” follows the older noun “hip,” while its informal sense for being fashionable developed through the broader slang meaning of “hip” as stylish or culturally current. The architectural term “hipped roof” also derives from the older sense of a sloping roof or roof end.
Related word forms
How hipped is actually used
The sense meaning fashionable or enthusiastic is informal and often appears in the expression “hipped on” followed by a subject or activity. The architectural sense is standard in descriptions of buildings.
Easily confused with hipped
“Hipped” can describe someone with prominent hips or someone enthusiastically committed to a style or interest, while “hip” is more often used as a noun for the body part or as an adjective meaning fashionable.