#beat-generation

A young woman — the beatnik counterpart to calling a guy a 'cat.'

Hopelessly square, dull, or worthless — going nowhere, leading nowhere.

A state of total boredom — a dreary, lifeless place or situation.

To show up where the action is — to attend, participate, and be part of the happening.

The ultimate — the absolute end of the line in the best possible way.

To lose your composure — get wildly excited, blown away, or come unglued.

To leave or take off — to clear out of a place, fast or casual.

The absolute best — the height of cool, with nothing better above it.

To an intense or wild degree — the beat-era way of saying 'a whole lot.'

The guys, especially musicians and people who are hip to the scene.

A composed, stylish, in-the-know man — the very picture of beatnik cool.

Thrills and good times pursued for their own sake — fun, excitement, a buzz.

A hip, affectionate way to address a man — the beatnik equivalent of 'man' or 'dude.'

So deeply into the music or moment that you've left ordinary reality behind — totally absorbed and excellent.

To panic, freak out, or flee — to come apart or bolt under pressure.