Is Pop Music Short for Popular?

In this post, we’ll explore the history of pop music and how it got its name. We’ll also discuss whether pop music is really “popular” or if it’s just a marketing term.

Introduction

It is common knowledge that the term “pop music” is short for “popular music.” But where did this term come from, and how did it come to be associated with the genre of music we know today?

The origins of the term “pop music” are actually quite unclear. One theory suggests that it is derived from the popular music of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which was typically characterized by sentimental ballads and light, tuneful songs. Another theory suggests that the term “pop music” was coined in the 1950s, when critics and commentators began referring to the growing popularity of a new style of music known as rock ‘n’ roll.

Whatever its origins, the term “pop music” is now used to describe a wide range of popular musical genres, including rock, hip hop, R&B, electronic dance music (EDM), and much more. In fact, pop music is so diverse that it is often difficult to define what qualifies as pop music and what does not. However, one thing is certain: pop music is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

History of the Term

The term “pop music” is a relatively recent invention, dating back to the late 1950s. Prior to that, people simply referred to it as “popular music.” So where did the term “pop music” come from?

There are a few different theories. One popular theory is that it was coined by British journalist Tony Jasper in his 1958 book The Rocking 50s. In the book, Jasper claimed that the term “pop music” was short for “popular music.”

Another theory is that it was simply a way to distinguish between different genres of music. In the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, there were two main genres: rockabilly and rhythm and blues. While both genres were popular, they were very different from each other. So by using the term “pop music,” people could more easily tell them apart.

In any case, the term “pop music” quickly caught on and has been used ever since. These days, it’s used to describe any kind of popular music, regardless of genre.

Theories on the Origin of the Term

There are a few theories on the origin of the term “pop music.” One is that it is short for “popular music.” This theory is based on the fact that the term has been used since the late 19th century, when popular music was beginning to become a mass-consumed genre. Another theory is that “pop music” is a shortened form of “popular music,” which was itself originally a shortening of “popular songs.” This theory is based on the fact that “popular songs” was a common phrase used in the early 20th century to refer to popular music.

Conclusion

It seems that the jury is still out on whether or not pop music is actually short for popular music. However, it seems that the most likely explanation is that pop music is a shortened version of popular music. This makes sense when you consider that other genres of music (such as rock, country, and jazz) are not typically referred to by their shortened names. So, if you’re ever wondering if pop music is short for something, now you know!