I’ve heard both terms used…
…in fact, I’ve had someone very strenously argue that he KNOWS that it’s hick cats. Although, this was a conversation, so I’m not too sure about spelling.
Is he right?
Hmm. I always thought it was Hep Cat. Dunno what it means though.
Staff Report: What’s the origin of “hip”?
Column by Cecil: Was “hip hip hurrah” originally an anti-Semitic taunt?
Originally “hep cats”, became “hip cats”.
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mhip.html
Upon preview: [striking gloating comments] Dammit, bibliophage, that’s not fair! I wanted to be first, just this one time.