Stilyagi (Russian: стиляги, the plural of "стиляга", stilyaga; lit. "stylish", "style hunter") was a derogatory appellation for members of a youth counterculture from the late 1940s until the early 1960s in the Soviet Union. Stilyagi were primarily distinguished by their snappy or fashionable clothing (considered contrary to the communist realities of the time) and their fascination with modern Western music and fashions (corresponding to that of the Beat Generation). English writings on Soviet culture variously translated the term as dandies, fashionistas, beatniks, hipsters, zoot suiters, etc.Today, the stilyagi are regarded as part of Russian historical social trends which further developed during the late Soviet era (notably the Stagnation Period) and allowed "informal" views on life, such as hippies, punks and rappers.