Pop means to make a short, quick, sometimes explosive sound, like a balloon bursting or popcorn cooking. Informally, it can also mean to go or put something somewhere quickly, often for a short time.
Probably of imitative origin, copying the sound of a small explosion or burst. It has been used in English since at least the 14th century with various sound-related senses.
The word is pure sound symbolism: *pop* sounds like what it describes. That’s why it easily spreads into other uses—pop music, pop culture, pop quiz—all suggesting something quick, catchy, and attention-grabbing.
In 'pop music,' industry practices have often sexualized and constrained women performers while granting men more stylistic freedom. In 'pop culture' more broadly, gender stereotypes have shaped who is seen as a 'pop icon' and how fandom is gendered.
When discussing pop culture or pop music, avoid trivializing genres or fandoms associated with women or girls and recognize contributions from artists of all genders.
["popular music","mainstream culture"]
Women and gender-diverse pop artists and fans have driven major shifts in music, fashion, and social norms, even when their influence has been dismissed as 'just pop.'
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