Here's the breakdown:
* "Sub": This prefix means "below", "under", or "secondary". It indicates that something is subordinate or lesser in importance.
* "Culture": This noun refers to the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
By combining these two words, "subculture" denotes a cultural group within a larger culture, often with distinct values, beliefs, and practices.
It's important to note that while the word itself was likely coined by combining existing words, the concept of subcultures existed long before the word itself. Societies have always had groups with distinct cultural practices, but the term "subculture" only came into use in the mid-20th century, reflecting the growing awareness of diverse cultural groups within larger societies.