Meaning of mallternative | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Any style or genre that is ostensibly counterculture or alternative, but actually mainstream enough to be encountered at a mall, or among the type of people who frequent a mall.
   attributive, derogatory, often, sometimes, uncountable
2. An alternative to a mall, particularly an open-air urban shopping district.
   countable

Examples

“As the "over-the-counterculture'" has grown, as once cutting-edge alternative styles and products have⟳ become⟳ "mallternative," Newbury Comics has benefited from the market moving in its direction. Black leather biker jackets, body piercings, tattoos, and jarring hairstyles, which once could shock⟳ the counterculturally challenged, today are part of a lifestyle choice that barely raises eyebrows.”

“Although several energy-depleting surface parking lots remain⟳, Mass Avenue's interesting mix⟳ of business and people is quickly turning it into a full-fledged window shopper's mallternative, full of energy.”

CEFR level