indie

The term: Short for independent rock. In terms of music it would be independent of major labels/mainstream stuff.

History: grew out from 60s garage, 70s punk, and 80s post punk it started in the mid 80s as alternative/college radio music. Once nirvana hit big the alternative genre split: the popular side was just alternative(Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, No Doubt, etc.) and the other half that wasn't mainstream(by choice or not) became indie rock(Pavement, Sebadoh, Built To Spill, etc).

Some bands have signed to major labels but are still considered indie(Modest Mouse, etc.). Go figure.

Sound: In the begining indie sounded like alternative(because it was) but it grew more experimental and weird. In Britain indie has more of a typical sound like Radiohead, Muse, etc. rather than a definition based on 'the scene.'

The scene: if you really think all indie kids do is try to be cooler than other people then... well.. you're mostly right. The main point is, don't take the scene and the whole hipster attitude seriously. No one does. And if you do, well, then I'm cooler than you.

According to the dictionary, 'indie' is an informal version of the word independent.

Although this definition is accurate, the word has come to mean more. For many, it has come to symbolize originality and forward-thinking, especially in music and design.

By this definition, indie is any business or designer that is not associated with a large company. Indie can also define the consumer who chooses to support small business, independent record labels and handmade items rather than shopping at big-box stores.

It's so hard to be truely 'indie' these days, isn't it? Its seems every time you try not to conform, you're conforming to something else - the non-conformists! Confusing!
But the only way to be indie in a small way is to just do what YOU want, dress how you want, listen to the music you like and everybody else can bugger off. The world doesn't have to see you as cool, there are always some people who think you are.
Nothing to do with scene kids, emos or whatever the hell constitutes as 'indie' these days.

Used to describe 'individual' or unsigned bands, but also, strangely, a genre (usually rock n roll or similar) that may or may not be mainstream.

Usually late teens to mid twenties. A name often used for an artistic individual who thinks, and sincerely cares about issues one wouldn't find in the mind of most adolescents. A rare breed.

Political junkies.
Bargain hunters.
All for organic (food, beauty and hygiene products, etc.)
A very thorough knowledge of independent music, but most enjoy a variety of genres.
Artistic and independent film buffs.
A deep love for all forms of art.
Most tend to be very witty, but this can come off as sarcastic and snobby.

In high school, Indie kids were/are a bit awkward, because they find it hard to communicate with those who don't have the same ideals. This doesn't mean that they won't talk to you. Conversation is well liked among the Indie, but their ever churning minds are rarely understood. This is where humor comes in, and Indie kids tend to be very clever individuals who can come up with a funny little quip almost instantly. A lot tend to pursue stand up comedy. Also, an Indie kid will talk your ear off, sew it back on, then talk some more if music comes in to the conversation.
Art is rooted deep within the heart of any Indie kid, and probably has been their entire life. Whether it be music, photography, writing, cinematography, painting, or any other art form that wasn't mentioned. Many become pretty successful artists later in life. The Green movement is also supported by almost all Indie kids. If art isn't their first passion, the earth is.

The Indie style:

It's not uncommon to see Indie kids haunting antique shops and thrift stores, for they love all things vintage. Earthy colors, buttons, plain t-shirts, torn fabric, knitted items, denim jeans, and comfortable shoes are all seen in the Indie style of both sexes. Vintage looking jewelry is also popular among females, but something handmade or of sentimental value is often preferred. Indie kids do care about their appearance, they just don't obsess over it.

The Difference between Indie and Emo:

Many have described these differences as a "war". This is not the case. If there's one thing an Indie hates, it's complete stupidity. Unrighteous self pity, and closed mindedness are all seen as stupid. Indie kids do like their style/music, but don't criticize other's for not liking it as well. They accept people of all colors, shapes, sizes, and styles. Though, once someone does show a decent amount of shallow emotion, an Indie kid will stop speaking instantly (this is bad.) There is no war, just a frustration with the traits that often come with the Emo style.

All in all, an Indie kid doesn't need much to be happy. Good friends, good music, good food, good conversation, and good laughs. True bliss. A simplicity that this world seems to lack.

The act of drawing images on your skin with a pen. This is commonly done in primary and middle school, sometimes it can happen in high school. This act is mostly done by artsy people who weren't allowed to bring a sketchbook to class.
The images are usually drawn on the arms and sometimes legs. Depictions of mandalas and flowers are a pretty common sight.

Indie is a word that has a slightly different meaning for every person on the planet. Here is my definition, Indie is simply being oneself, however only people that are "independent" enough from the norm are recognized as Indie. You do not have to like obscure bands to be Indie, you can like a bit of everything and still be Indie, even pop music, Indie isn't even solely defined by what music you like anyway. It's one aspect, but the clothes you wear, the language you use, your personality. Still, only a few people can be Indie, and you can't learn it, your just born with it. Within Indie, people are still not completely independent of each other, take Pendulum for example, alot of people like them, alot of indie people do too. Indie people share interests and do not all like completely different things, here is what I believe the formula for Indie is, 20-15% pop culture, 80-85% personality/personal taste. It's similar to Ribena, pop culture is Ribena, personality is water, without the pop culture(Ribena) , you and Indie(water and Ribena) will taste nothing alike, Even Indie people need some common ground, or being Indie would be boring, and without the water(personality) your just generic old pop culture, you have nothing to offer the Indie community. But then again, that's just how I define Indie.

independent music. The anti-"emo". (well, maybe like emo's second cousin twice-removed with more talent, skill, and IQ)

the state of being "indie":

1)being unable to talk to anyone about your music.

2)but knowing that, in the process, you're way cooler than the kids you try to talk to about it.