Bebop
/ˈbiːˌbɑːp/noun
A fast, harmonically complex style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s.
Did you know?“Bebop” was likely shaped by vocalized jazz phrasing—syllables such as “be-bop” used to imitate or remember musical figures—rather than inherited from an older language.
Etymological Timeline
Early 20th Century
Jazz slang
bop
“A rhythmic or melodic vocalization associated with jazz performance; the precise origin is uncertain.”
1940s
American English
be-bop
“An emerging name for a new, rapid and harmonically adventurous style of jazz.”
1945
American English
bebop
“A developing jazz movement associated with musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.”
Late 1940s
English
bebop
“A standard term for the modern jazz style, also shortened to “bop” in some contexts.”
Modern English
English
bebop
“A major jazz genre characterized by fast tempos, intricate melodies, and sophisticated chord progressions.”