Is there somebody, who can help me understand this?
Coffee is a lot more than just a drink; it’s something happening.
Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself.
What does the highlighted part 'not as in hip' mean?
Maybe it is an old meaning of the word?
So I know firstly the meaning of this word is our body part, also the synonym of cool or fashionable, but in this context what does it mean?
Best Answer
To clarify why hip in the sense of cool or stylish makes sense in this context one must also look at alternative meanings for happening.
The key to understanding what is going on in that quote (and why I initially, just like Judit, didn't think that this meaning of hip made sense in the context) is that both hip and happening can be used in a similar sense.
From OED: