adjective

hep

HEP/hɛp/

Aware of current trends and ideas.

The hep friend demonstrates new dance moves before the others recognize the trend.

At a music gathering, one friend confidently shows others the newest dance moves and fashion choices before anyone else recognizes them.

Etymology

The origin is unknown, but hep is recorded as slang for being aware and up-to-date. Its adoption by jazz musicians connects that general knowingness with cultural sophistication.

In context

Talks at Google presenter6:43

you hipsters and hep cats, you -- What generation is this?

Conan O'Brien | Talks at Google

Mashable Screening presenter0:36

30s, the hep cats and the hipsters.

Is "Hipster" Done? - Jargonology

More examples

She was hep to the latest jazz.
The character tries to sound hep.
He called the crowd hep.

Forms

hep

Similar words

hip: The later and more familiar slang equivalent.
informed: Knowledgeable without the fashionable tone.