Bebops

/bɪˈbɒps/ verb

Definition

Third-person singular present tense of 'bebop'; to play or dance to bebop music.

Etymology

From the onomatopoetic 'bebop' (1940s jazz style) plus standard '-s' verb ending. Bebop itself comes from the syncopated rhythm pattern: 'be-bop-a-loo-bop.'

Kelly Says

Bebop emerged as musicians literally played the onomatopoeia—Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie made 'be-bop' the sound their horns created, which became the name of the whole revolution.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.