What is a bop?

"Bop" can refer to a few different things, depending on context:

• A great song or piece of music: This is the most common modern usage. A "bop" is a song that's catchy, enjoyable, and often makes you want to dance or move to the rhythm. It's typically upbeat and has a strong beat. Think of it as slang for a really good tune.

• Swing music/bebop style: Historically, "bop" was slang for bebop, a style of jazz music that emerged in the early to mid-1940s. Bebop was characterized by fast tempos, complex harmonies and improvisations, and virtuosic solos. This is a less common usage now, unless in a discussion specifically about jazz history.

• To hit or strike something: This is a more general, older usage of the word. For example, "I bopped him on the head." This meaning is less prevalent than the musical connotations in modern slang.

Therefore, the best definition of "bop" depends heavily on how it's used. If someone says "That's a bop!", they almost certainly mean it's a great song.