Cyberpunk: meaning, definitions and examples

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cyberpunk

 

[ ˈsaɪbərˌpʌŋk ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

genre, literature

Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that features advanced technology and a breakdown of social order, often set in a dystopian future. It emphasizes the themes of high-tech and low-life, exploring the impact of advanced technologies on society and individuals.

Synonyms

dystopian, science fiction

Examples of usage

  • The film is a classic example of cyberpunk cinema.
  • She loves reading cyberpunk novels for their futuristic themes.
  • The art style is heavily influenced by the cyberpunk genre.
Context #2 | Adjective

style, culture

Cyberpunk describes a style or aesthetic characterized by a blend of advanced technology and a chaotic, often decaying urban environment. It often includes neon lights, cybernetic enhancements, and themes of rebellion against corporations.

Synonyms

futuristic, neon-lit

Examples of usage

  • The cityscape in the game has a distinctly cyberpunk feel.
  • Her outfit was very cyberpunk, with metallic accessories and vibrant colors.
  • The music in the film perfectly captures the cyberpunk vibe.

Translations

Translations of the word "cyberpunk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cyberpunk

🇮🇳 साइबरपंक

🇩🇪 Cyberpunk

🇮🇩 cyberpunk

🇺🇦 кіберпанк

🇵🇱 cyberpunk

🇯🇵 サイバーパンク

🇫🇷 cyberpunk

🇪🇸 cyberpunk

🇹🇷 siberpunk

🇰🇷 사이버펑크

🇸🇦 سايبربانك

🇨🇿 kyberpunk

🇸🇰 kyberpunk

🇨🇳 赛博朋克

🇸🇮 cyberpunk

🇮🇸 cyberpunk

🇰🇿 киберпанк

🇬🇪 კიბერპანკი

🇦🇿 kiberpunk

🇲🇽 cyberpunk

Etymology

The term 'cyberpunk' originated in the early 1980s, coined by writer Bruce Bethke in his short story titled 'Cyberpunk.' It is a portmanteau of 'cybernetics'—the interdisciplinary study of communication and control in living beings and machines—and 'punk,' which refers to the counterculture movements in the 1970s and 1980s that challenged mainstream norms. The genre emerged as a reaction to the rise of computer technology and the increasing influence of corporations on society, often portraying futures where technology and humanity coexist amid social decay. Early works like William Gibson's novel 'Neuromancer' played a crucial role in defining the genre, establishing its themes of hacking, artificial intelligence, and corporate control. Over the years, cyberpunk has influenced films, anime, and video games, creating a lasting impact on popular culture and inspiring new generations of creators.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,585, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.