Definition

Noun: 1. A style of popular music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a strong, regular, and often syncopated rhythmic beat, with emphasis on the off-beat (often played by a guitar or keyboard), a prominent bass line, and lyrics frequently addressing social and political issues or themes of love and spirituality.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Bob Marley is the most famous musician to bring reggae to a global audience.
  • The steady rhythm and deep bass of reggae make it easy to dance to.
  • She loves listening to classic reggae from the 1970s.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural identifier: The term "reggae" can extend beyond the music itself to describe associated aesthetics, fashion, and the Rastafari cultural movement with which it is often linked.
  • The festival celebrated reggae culture through music, art, and food.

Variants and Related Words

• Reggaeton (noun): A genre of popular music that blends reggae and dancehall with Latin American styles like salsa and bomba, as well as hip hop. It is distinct from traditional reggae.
  • Reggaeton has its roots in Puerto Rico and Panama.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "reggae" as a specific music genre. Broader related terms include:
  • Jamaican music: A general term for music originating from Jamaica.
  • Roots music: Often used to describe a subgenre of reggae with strong Rastafarian themes.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Reggae beat: Refers specifically to the characteristic rhythmic pattern of reggae music.
  • You can recognize the song by its distinctive reggae beat.

Noun

1. popular music originating in the West Indies; repetitive bass riffs and regular chords played on the off beat by a guitar