I think in this context (and usually) hipster means "someone who pretends to like something new or unusual in order to broadcast their superiority." That's why everyone thinks someone else is a hipster -- it's a claim about sincerity. As in "I've always enjoyed Pabst Blue Ribbon because I like the taste, but that guy over there is just a hipster."
That's also why it's a pretty jerk thing to call someone on the internet. Hipster-slingers: you have no frickin idea why people like the things they like. But try assuming it's because they actually like them. It makes the conversation a lot more fun.
I guess I just got confused as I would never use the term that way myself -- as you say, "you have no idea why people like the things they like".
As such, if I were to say "hipster", I'd be referring to the subculture - the skinny-jeans/chunky-glasses/retro-t-shirt/coffee-shop crowd. Being a trait I can actually consistently identify in a person, rather than a trait I can merely assert the presence of without evidence.
+1 JackC // very nice definition. With a tinge of truth :)
I only visualize the people with their crappy and expensive earplugs and ipod telling how much they love music. And they seems to ignore how much their sound is distorded.
Hispters love the words and attitude and despise the knowledge. That's my definition.
You're doing exactly what JackC is talking about. You're deciding your way of enjoying and loving music is the only way and anybody who does it in a different way is an imposter. Ironically, by my definition, that makes you a hipster :))
That's also why it's a pretty jerk thing to call someone on the internet. Hipster-slingers: you have no frickin idea why people like the things they like. But try assuming it's because they actually like them. It makes the conversation a lot more fun.