* Sub-: This prefix means "below" or "under." It indicates something that is subordinate or lesser than something else.
* Culture: This refers to the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
Therefore, subculture literally means "a culture that is below or under the dominant culture."
In simpler terms, a subculture is a group of people within a larger society who share distinct values, beliefs, interests, behaviors, and practices that set them apart from the mainstream culture. They often develop their own unique styles, language, and customs.
Examples of subcultures include:
* Goth subculture: Defined by its dark, macabre aesthetics, music, and literature.
* Gamer subculture: Passionate about video games, with its own slang, tournaments, and online communities.
* Hip-hop subculture: Characterized by its music, dance, fashion, and art forms.
While subcultures can be distinct, they still exist within the broader context of the dominant culture and often influence it in various ways.