CultureAugust 16, 2026
countercultural
KOWN-ter-kul-cher-ul
Definition
Relating to, or characteristic of, a group or movement that rejects or opposes the prevailing values, norms, or social standards of mainstream society.
Etymology
The word is a combination of 'counter-' (meaning against or opposite) and 'cultural'. It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe movements that actively opposed the dominant cultural establishment.
In the news
In the article, Hal Ashby is described as a 'countercultural' director because his films, such as Harold and Maude, often challenged traditional societal norms and resonated with alternative perspectives of his time.
The Criterion Collection – November 2026 Releases Announced
Read the full article ↗The Arts Shelf