General
kicks
What does kicks mean?
A source of enjoyment or a passing enthusiasm one is into.
"He's on a Zen kick this month."
Origin
From 1940s jazz and Black American slang, where 'kicks' meant thrills or a pleasurable buzz. It became central to Beat philosophy — Kerouac's characters chase 'kicks' across America in 'On the Road.'
Frequently asked questions
What does kicks mean in beatnik slang?
It means thrills, fun, or excitement pursued for its own sake. 'For kicks' meant doing something purely for the rush of it.
Where did kicks come from?
From 1940s jazz and Black American slang for a pleasurable buzz. The Beat Generation made chasing 'kicks' a core part of its restless ethos.
Does kicks mean shoes too?
Yes — in overlapping jazz and street slang 'kicks' also meant shoes, a sense that survives in modern sneaker culture.
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