noun General Slang

Square

/skwɛr/ · noun · slang

A conventional, conformist person out of step with the hip scene.

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Definitions

1

A conventional, old-fashioned person who follows the rules and rejects countercultural ideas.

“Her parents were total squares who didn't get the music.”
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2

Someone unhip or unaware of the latest trends and ideas.

“Don't be such a square, come hang out with us.”
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3

As an adjective, describing dull, conformist, or uptight attitudes and style.

“Wearing a tie to the festival was a pretty square move.”
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Square In A Sentence

The squares at the office just don't understand.
He used to be a square until he heard that band.
Being called a square back then really stung.

Origin & Usage

From 1940s jazz slang, where musicians used a square hand gesture to mock listeners stuck on rigid 4/4 time. The 1960s counterculture used 'square' for anyone conventional and unhip.

Variants squaresvillesquares
Tags #1960s#hippie#counterculture#vintage#conformity

People Also Ask

What does square mean in slang?

It refers to a conventional, conformist person who is out of step with hip or countercultural trends.

Where did square come from?

From 1940s jazz slang, where a square hand gesture mocked listeners stuck on rigid rhythm; it came to mean anyone unhip.

Is square an insult?

It is a mild put-down, dismissing someone as dull or conformist rather than a harsh slur.

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