Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Popping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฅ
Add to dictionary

popping

[หˆpษ‘หpษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A sudden, sharp, explosive sound.

Synonyms

bang, burst, crack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
popping

Use this word to describe small, sharp sounds often associated with small, rapid explosions or the sound of kernels of corn popping. It has a light, informal tone.

  • I could hear the popcorn popping in the microwave
  • The fire made a pleasant popping sound as it burned
burst

Applicable when something suddenly breaks open, often with a loud noise. It emphasizes the action of breaking open and can be used in various contexts, usually signifying impact or force.

  • The balloon burst when it touched the sharp edge
  • She burst into laughter at the funny joke
crack

Refers to a sharp, snapping sound, often associated with breaking or splitting. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts and sometimes has a negative connotation.

  • The ice began to crack under their weight
  • The comedian's joke made the audience crack up
bang

This word describes a loud, sudden noise, like an explosion or a gunshot. It can be used in both casual and more serious contexts, often implying something impactful.

  • There was a loud bang when the door slammed shut
  • The fireworks went off with a bang, lighting up the sky

Examples of usage

  • It sounded like a popping noise coming from the kitchen.
  • The popping of the balloons filled the room with excitement.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To make a sudden, sharp, explosive sound.

Synonyms

burst, crackle, explode.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
popping

This is often used to describe small, quick, and repetitive noises, typically associated with things like popcorn cooking or small fireworks.

  • The popcorn was popping in the microwave.
  • The sound of balloons popping at the party startled the guests.
explode

Refers to a violent and loud destruction or expansion, accompanied by a loud noise and often related to bombs, fireworks, or sudden emotional reactions. Can often have a negative connotation.

  • The fireworks exploded in a dazzling display of colors.
  • The pressure build-up caused the boiler to explode, causing significant damage.
burst

This term is typically used for something that suddenly breaks open or releases forcefully, often associated with pressure. It can be used for emotional outbursts as well.

  • The water balloon burst as soon as it hit the ground.
  • She couldnโ€™t hold back her laughter and burst out laughing.
crackle

Used to describe a series of sharp, popping noises, often associated with things like a fire, static electricity, or old vinyl records. It suggests a continuous but irregular sound.

  • The logs started to crackle as the fire grew.
  • The old record player emitted a comforting crackle as the song played.

Examples of usage

  • The kernels were popping in the microwave.
  • She watched the bubbles pop in the fizzy drink.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'popping' is widely used in dancing, particularly in 'popping' and 'lockin', a street dance style that emphasizes sudden stops and contractions.
  • In the food industry, 'popping' is popularized through snacks like popcorn and fizzy drinks, conveying excitement and enjoyment.
  • The phrase 'popping' is often found in music lyrics, used to describe lively experiences and energetic moments.

Science

  • The popping sound of popcorn occurs when water inside the kernel heats up, creating steam and causing it to explode.
  • In physics, 'popping' can relate to phenomena like the popping of bubbles or gas escaping from a liquid.
  • The sound waves created during popping are a great example of how energy can transfer through different mediums, like air and water.

Psychology

  • 'Popping' sounds can trigger a sense of surprise and excitement, often linked to moments of joy or humor.
  • In cognitive psychology, sudden auditory stimuli, like popping, can capture attention more effectively than softer sounds.
  • Research indicates that people often associate 'popping' sounds with positive experiences, enhancing feelings of happiness.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'popping' as a metaphor to describe moments of excitement or realization in narratives.
  • In poetry, 'popping' can evoke imagery of dynamic change, emphasizing a momentโ€™s intensity and abruptness.
  • Famous works, particularly in childrenโ€™s literature, often incorporate 'popping' sounds to engage young audiences through playful language.

Origin of 'popping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pop' originated in the 15th century, meaning to make a sudden noise.
  • Its modern sense of 'popping' has roots in the onomatopoeic nature of sounds, imitating the sound itself.
  • Early uses of 'pop' in literature often referred to the sound of a cork popping from a bottle.

The word 'popping' originated from the Old English word 'popian', which meant 'to burst with a sudden sound'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the action and sound of something bursting or exploding. The onomatopoeic nature of the word captures the sharp and sudden quality of the sound. Today, 'popping' is commonly used to describe the noise made by bursting bubbles, kernels, balloons, or other objects.

See also: pop, popover, pops, popup.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,434, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.