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Pop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pop

[pÉ’p ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form in the United States and United Kingdom during the mid-1950s. It typically features a catchy melody, simple harmonies, and repetitive structure.

Synonyms

chart music, popular music.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pop

Could be a duplicate. See first 'pop' entry.
popular music

Use in more formal discussions or writing, to speak broadly about genres of music that have mass appeal.

  • Popular music has greatly evolved over the decades
  • The seminar focused on the cultural impact of popular music from the 1960s onwards
chart music

Use in contexts related to music rankings and popular songs that are trending on music charts.

  • Chart music often reflects the current trends in the music industry
  • The song quickly climbed to the top of the chart music lists

Examples of usage

  • Her latest album is a mix of pop and electronic music.
  • The radio station plays a lot of pop songs.
Context #2 | Verb

inflatable

To pop something means to make a sudden, sharp, explosive sound. It can also refer to bursting or breaking something suddenly.

Synonyms

burst, explode.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pop

This word is generally used for small, sudden sounds or actions when something small and simple breaks open.

  • The balloon will pop if you prick it with a needle
  • I heard a pop from the microwave when the popcorn was done
burst

This word fits situations where something suddenly breaks open or shatters, often spilling its contents. It can be more dramatic than 'pop'.

  • The water pipe burst and flooded the basement
  • The dam burst under the pressure of the heavy rain
explode

This word is used for powerful, destructive blasts. It often involves loud noise, force, and destruction.

  • The fireworks will explode at midnight
  • The gas tank exploded, causing a huge fire

Examples of usage

  • She popped the balloon with a pin.
  • The bubble popped as soon as it touched the sharp object.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • Pop music often has catchy melodies and simple lyrics, making it easy for people to sing along.
  • One of the biggest pop stars, Michael Jackson, is often referred to as the 'King of Pop' for his influence and success in the music industry.
  • The genre of pop has evolved over the decades, incorporating elements from rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Cultural Impact

  • Pop culture, which includes pop music, movies, and trends, heavily influences society and reflects shared interests and values.
  • The annual Billboard Music Awards celebrates achievements in popular music, often featuring performances from top pop artists.
  • In social contexts, 'pop' can refer to anything trendy or widely accepted at the moment, like fashion or slang phrases.

Psychology

  • The appeal of pop music can be linked to its rhythmic and repetitive structures, making it memorable and pleasant for listeners.
  • Listening to upbeat pop songs can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness and energy.
  • Modern psychological studies suggest that familiarity with a song can enhance enjoyment, which is a hallmark of many pop tracks.

Science

  • Fizzy drinks, when opened, release carbon dioxide, leading to the 'pop' sound as pressure is released from the container.
  • In physics, the term 'pop' can describe any sudden change in pressure or volume in a gas or liquid.
  • Popcorn gets its name from the sound it makes when heated, as the moisture inside the kernel turns to steam and causes it to burst open.

Origin of 'pop'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pop' originated in the 16th century from the Middle English word 'poppen', which meant to explode or burst.
  • It started to be used as a term for pop music in the late 1950s when rock and roll became very popular.
  • Interestingly, it was also used to describe the sound of something 'popping' open, like a soda can.

The term 'pop' originated as a shortened form of 'popular' in the 1920s. It became widely used in the context of music in the 1950s to describe the genre of popular music. Over the years, pop music has evolved and diversified, becoming one of the most dominant genres in the music industry.

See also: popover, popping, pops, popup.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,571 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.