Shazam Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shazam

[ʃəˈzæm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music recognition

Shazam is a mobile application that allows users to identify music playing in their environment by listening to a short sample of the song. It analyzes the audio and matches it to a database of songs, providing the title and artist information.

Synonyms

audio identifier, music recognizer.

Examples of usage

  • I used Shazam to find out that song playing on the radio.
  • Shazam quickly identified the track I was listening to.
  • He opened Shazam to discover the name of that catchy tune.
  • With Shazam, I can recognize songs even in crowded places.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the comic book universe, the character Shazam has been a superhero since the 1940s and was originally known as Captain Marvel.
  • A popular 2019 movie brought the character to life in a comedic superhero film, introducing the concept of childlike wonder and joy.

Magic and Illusion

  • Magicians often use phrases like 'shazam' during their performances to signal trick completions or unexpected outcomes.
  • The use of 'shazam' highlights the element of surprise, creating an engaging experience for the audience.

Linguistic Fun

  • 'Shazam' is often used in comics and movies to signify an instant transformation, making it a memorable catchphrase.
  • The word has entered popular slang as an exclamation of excitement, akin to yelling 'wow' or 'ta-da!' when something amazing happens.

Music

  • The word has also found a place in music culture, with the app 'Shazam' allowing users to identify songs playing in their environment by simply listening.
  • In pop culture, singers might use catchy phrases like 'shazam' in lyrics to evoke feelings of magic and excitement.

Origin of 'shazam'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shazam' was popularized by the comic book series featuring a superhero who transforms into a stronger version of himself by saying it.
  • It is believed to be a combination of the names of great historical figures, including Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury.

The word 'Shazam' is famously known as the name of the music recognition app, which was launched in 2002. It was derived from the magic word used by comic book character Captain Marvel to transform into his superhero form. The creators of the app chose this name to convey a sense of magic and instant recognition, emphasizing the idea that with a simple use of the app, users could magically know the name of any song they hear. The trademark for Shazam was filed and established as a distinct brand in the tech world, making it synonymous with music discovery and recognition, enabling millions of users worldwide to identify and explore music effortlessly.