indie

Etymology

From independent, by shortening. Used of popular music since the 1980s, and of cinema for some decades before that.

adj

1. Independent; from outside the mainstream.
   an indie pop group
   an indie video game
   You would hide away and find your peace of mind / With some indie record that’s much cooler than mine 2012, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, in Red, performed by Taylor Swift

noun

1. (countable) An independent publisher.
   He says Ninja Tune retains the master and publishing rights on most of its catalog, making it easy to license quickly. Yet as majors jump on the videogame bandwagon, he fears indies may lose that outlet. 15 January 2005, Billboard, volume 117, number 3, page 36
2. (countable) A work released by an independent publisher.
3. (uncountable, music) A type of rock music, generally soft-style without screaming or aggression, mixed with synthesized music and electronic.
4. (countable) A person who listens to indie music and follows indie fashion.