Alt definition: what "Alt" means and examples

Short for "alternative," this term is used to describe a person’s aesthetic, music taste, or even their online persona when it deviates from the "norm." In the 90s, we might have said "grunge" or "indie," but "alt" is the modern umbrella term. It often involves a mix of vintage clothes, dyed hair, and a focus on niche interests. An "alt account" on social media is also a secondary profile where a young person feels more comfortable being their "true" or "weird" self away from the watchful eyes of family or the pressure of their main social circle. It is a celebration of non-conformity.

Examples:

1. "She has gone full alt lately with the combat boots and the dark eyeliner."
2. "I post my photography on my alt account because it doesn't really fit the vibe of my main page."
3. "The music at that festival was very alt; I didn't recognise a single song on the radio."