# bop

/ˈbɑp/ (US) · /bˈɒp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bop
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a catchy song

noun · CEFR B2 · Slang

a song that is very good and makes you want to dance.

For teachers: a catchy, upbeat musical track that elicits a positive physical or emotional response.

- Turn up the radio because this new single is an absolute bop.
- While the lyrics are somewhat repetitive, the production is so polished that the track has become a certified bop on the summer charts.

### 2. a light hit

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a very light or playful hit or punch.

For teachers: a light, often playful or accidental blow or smack.

- He gave the balloon a little bop to keep it in the air.
- The toddler gave the toy drum a gentle bop, delighted by the hollow sound it produced.

### 3. jazz style

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of fast, complex jazz music from the 1940s.

For teachers: a style of jazz characterized by fast tempos, virtuosic technique, and advanced harmonic improvisation.

- The band played some classic bop that had everyone tapping their feet.
- The quintet specialized in mid-century bop, navigating the complex chord substitutions and rapid-fire melodies with impressive precision.

### 4. to walk or move

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to walk or move in a happy, casual, or rhythmic way.

For teachers: to move, walk, or travel in a casual or rhythmic manner, often implying a sense of lightheartedness.

- We decided to bop down to the shops to get some ice cream.
- After finishing his exams, he was seen bopping down the street with a noticeable spring in his step.

### 5. to dance

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to dance to music that has a strong beat.

For teachers: to dance, typically by moving the head or body rhythmically to a strong beat.

- They were bopping along to the music in the back of the car.
- Even the most reserved guests began bopping to the rhythm once the DJ started playing classic disco hits.

### 6. promiscuous person

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

an insulting word for someone who has many sexual partners.

For teachers: a derogatory slang term for a person, typically a woman, perceived as promiscuous.

- He was being mean and called her a bop on social media.
- The comment section was filled with users labeling the influencer a bop, reflecting a toxic trend in modern digital discourse.

Usage: Highly offensive; used primarily in online social media contexts.

Teaching tip: This sense is modern internet slang and is considered very disrespectful; learners should avoid using it.

## Examples

- That new track is a total bop.
- We played a playlist full of bops to keep the party energy high.
- The album’s lead single became an instant bop, dominating radio waves and streaming charts with its infectious, danceable rhythm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.