Crossword Genius

Hippies strike back skin (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beatniks

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hippies' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'strike back skin' is the wordplay.
'strike' becomes 'beat' (I've seen this before).
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'skin' written backwards gives 'niks'.
'beat'+'niks'='BEATNIKS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beatniks that I've seen before include "Former drop-outs" , "Nonconformist youths in the 1950s and early 1960s" , "Sink a bet about the old dropouts" , "Hippies," , "Unconventional youngsters" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.