Poppin' a New York groove

Absolut. Breakdancing. Club kids. Disneyfication. Emoticons. Feng Shui. Goth. Hemp. Implants. Joe Boxers. Karaoke. Lounge music. Marilyn Manson. Navels. Orange. Phone sex. Queen Latifah. Riot grrrls. Snapple. Tattoos. Undergarments. Versace. Wired. Xena. Yoga. ‘Zines. Plus hundreds more. Read on.

Thanks go to the fine folks at Paper magazine for compiling this dictionary for our popping times. With zippy photos and witty commentary, it explains the whats, wheres and whys of North American obsessions and still manages to keep its sense of humor. There are even enough tidbits of superstar gossip and glimpses into the lives of the über-glam to make its New York-centrism almost forgivable. Plus, it’s got one of the most unflattering photos of Madonna this side of her high school yearbook.

Destined to be a cult classic among the Class of 2050 at the North American Pop Culture University, it’s also the ideal gift for both the terminally self-referential hipster and their charmingly clueless chum.

Either that or a handy glossary for the latest Bret Easton Ellis novel.

One problem: To be seen in public buying this volume might label one as absolutely not hip. If that bothers you, you probably really need it — not just on your bookshelf, but in hand at all times. While you’re at it, pick up the latest issue of Paper. According to this book, it’s way cool.

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