hip-hop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, but widely accepted in formal contexts for discussing culture and the arts.
Quick answer
What does “hip-hop” mean?
A style of popular music of US Black origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of popular music of US Black origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing.
A broad cultural movement encompassing a musical genre, a style of dance (breakdancing), distinctive visual art (graffiti), and a specific fashion aesthetic, originating in New York City in the late 1970s.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and its cultural referents are identical. The US, as the birthplace, has a more established domestic industry and deeper socio-cultural roots.
Connotations
In the US, it often carries strong connotations of its origins in Black and Latino urban communities and socio-political commentary. In the UK, while this is understood, it may more broadly connote a global music and youth culture.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, though more culturally central in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hip-hop” in a Sentence
[listening to/playing/producing] hip-hopthe [origins/evolution/influence] of hip-hopa [classic/iconic/pioneering] hip-hop [track/album]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hip-hop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to hip-hop all night at the club.
- (Note: very rare and informal as a verb)
American English
- They hip-hopped their way across the dance floor.
adjective
British English
- He has a large collection of hip-hop vinyl.
- The hip-hop scene in London is very diverse.
American English
- She wore a classic hip-hop style with baggy jeans and sneakers.
- His hip-hop influences are clear in the production.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The hip-hop streaming market has grown by 15% this quarter.'
Academic
'The paper examines hip-hop as a vehicle for post-colonial discourse.'
Everyday
'I've been listening to a lot of 90s hip-hop lately.'
Technical
'The track uses a classic hip-hop breakbeat sampled from a 1970s funk record.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hip-hop”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hip-hop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hip-hop”
- Using 'hip-hop' and 'rap' as absolute synonyms. Rap is a vocal technique; hip-hop is the broader culture.
- Incorrect hyphenation/spacing: 'hiphop', 'hip hop', and 'hip-hop' are all used, but 'hip-hop' is the most standard dictionary form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rap is the vocal style of rhythmic spoken word. Hip-hop is the broader culture that includes rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. All rap is part of hip-hop, but hip-hop is more than just rap.
'Hip-hop' (with a hyphen) is the most common and standard dictionary form. 'Hip hop' (two words) is also widely accepted. 'Hiphop' (one word) is less common but used in some branding and informal contexts.
No. While it originated in the African American and Latino communities of New York City, it has become a global phenomenon. Countries like the UK, France, Japan, and South Korea have developed their own vibrant, distinct hip-hop scenes.
Yes, trap is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States in the early 2000s, characterized by its lyrical content and specific use of synthesizers, hi-hats, and heavy bass.
A style of popular music of US Black origin, featuring rap with an electronic backing.
Hip-hop is usually informal, but widely accepted in formal contexts for discussing culture and the arts. in register.
Hip-hop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp hɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp hɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep it real (originated in hip-hop culture)”
- “Drop the mic”
- “Word is bond”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: HIP (cool, trendy) + HOP (move, jump) = the cool, rhythmic, jumping music and culture.
Conceptual Metaphor
Hip-hop is a VOICE (for the marginalised), a MOVEMENT (cultural/physical), and a SCHOOL (of thought/life).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT considered one of the 'four core elements' of traditional hip-hop culture?