Since its relatively recent appearance, TikTok has taken over the lead in setting trends and influencing people’s lives. From this list, many parents can comprehend that keeping track of this rather dynamic environment is quite stressful. Among those terms, at the moment, there is the term “BOP. “But what does “bop” in the context of TikTok mean? While Gen-Z has adopted this term and made it sound like your teens use it every day. It is important to decode this language to be closer and feel the child. Well, then, let me explain the bop meaning TikTok.
What does BOP mean on TikTok and other social media?
In the context of TikTok, There are different explanations for BOP. It could have sexually explicit connotations. BOP on TikTok can refer to someone who shares their body on the internet or someone who is casually involved with multiple people. Posting body on the internet could imply revealing or sexualized images of someone’s persona online. And, someone getting around with many partners implies that they are being romantically or sexually involved with multiple people.
However. on TikTok, BOP is short for ‘Big Old Pop Songs.’ It usually refers to a catchy song or tune. These are mostly fun and easily danceable songs. This is the song that gives one the energy to stand up and dance and probably even perform a challenge. If your teenager once said they have a ‘bop, ’ then what they mean is that they like the tune. In its simplest interpretation, it means the song is too good to sit down to.
Several characteristics define a “bop” on TikTok:
- Upbeat rhythm: It has also a unique feel and tempo. Moreover, it is somewhat lively and energetic.
- Catchy lyrics: When the song is being sung the chorus or melody is repeated. This makes you keep on singing even after the song has been concluded.
- Danceability: This makes it so simple for one to come up with dance steps or even lip-syncing to the song.
- Positive vibes: There’s something sort of happy-go-lucky about it and that is what makes it fun.
In short, if a song is a bop, then such music can only be cheerful. Moreover, people leave positive reactions inviting to participate in the current trends or challenges.
Example sentences:
- ‘‘Each time I hear that bop on TikTok I instantly fade out. ’’
- “This is a total summer bop, perfect for TikTok challenges. ”
Moreover, TikTok’s format puts a ton of importance on music, and the term bop integrates itself organically into this. Specifically, music is now a core element for TikTok, and all the songs that are “bops” cause numerous creative elaborations. These include dances, lip-sync, and reaction videos.
Why BOP on TikTok is popular?
As it is easy to notice, TikTok is based on music and short, captivating videos. This is due to the focus on sound bites which have made it possible for songs to go viral. Here’s why the term “BOP” has gained popularity on the platform:
- Music discovery: TikTok is there to help the discovery of new music. TikTok songs popular for challenges are instantly shared, liked, and commented on by millions within a short period. A “bop” is usually such a song that falls within this viral cycle.
- Dance trends: One would be hard-pressed to find another social media platform with as many dance challenges as TikTok. That is the reason why when a song is about, it is often associated with some cool dance movements. Made to accompany a specific dance, once a track gains widespread attention, the dance itself drives the song. This, in turn, gains even more attention and is a part of perpetuating a “bop. ”
- Viral content: This makes a catchy “bop” so versatile with thousands of videos making it a unique hit. Whether it is a makeup tutorial, a simple comedy sketch, or a video featuring pets, the song picks up steam and thus gains immense popularity.
- Gen-Z slang: Gen-Z enjoys redefining and constructing the language that is in existence. In this way, through TikTok they express words like “bop” frequently and also become habitual in different situations and therefore its rapid diffusion.
It is not just content limited to release songs but create words that users give to describe them in an application known as TikTok. “Bop” is among those words that have become part of the digital language that Gen-Z particularly uses. Each time a song trends on TikTok, the phrase “bop” creates a snowball effect.
Famous TikTok Bop Challenges:
- “Say So” Dance Challenge: The hit song Doja Cat released gained much popularity owing to the challenge.
- “Blinding Lights” Challenge: This track is a bop since the users choreographed themselves to the tunes of The Weeknd. Moreover, they followed it up with a trend of dancing videos.
- “Savage Love” Dance Challenge: This song by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo rose to popularity since the song is addictive. Moreover, people could easily master the TikTok dance.
When a song turns into a ‘viral’ bop on TikTok, it is much more than simply having those followers. It assumes the format of a cultural issue that extends to the type of music one listens to. This is how TikTok indicated a massive influence in popularizing songs. The song will have millions of streams within the space of a few days while also popularizing slang among Gen-Z.
What’s the meanings of BOP in slang?
Even though TikTok brought into usage the positive form of the meaning of the term “bop,” the term has other meanings in slang. In one situation or with a certain person, you can have a very clear implication, while in another you may find an obscure implication. It is useful for a parent to know these other definitions and be able to understand the discussions that the teen may be having.
Here are some different ways to use “bop”:
A casual dance:
Essentially in some quarters, a “bop” can be as straightforward as an informal or frivolous dance. I recall coming across the phrase that it was time to start dancing. For example, “Let us bop around the room. ”
A punch or hit:
”Bop” can also denote a punch or a strike or a physical strike or impact. For example, “He bopped me on the shoulder.” This could refer to a situation where one gave another a playful punch in the shoulder.
Sexual connotation:
In some areas, the word “bop” is slang with a more jerk or sexual connotation when referring to a person. This usage is commonly found but the parents should know that it is still in use.
Head movement:
This interpretation is head bopping or rather bobbing in merriment to the tunes of music. For example, an idiom one would use is; “I am bobbing my head to the rhythm,”.
Example sentences:
‘Last night, that DJ had the entire club bobbing that’s how great he was!’
“That vila song was rather uplifting I was just bobbing my head all along to the music. ”
This whole ‘bop’ word can represent many different things depending on the situation. So it’s always important to stay mindful of how this word was deployed. Especially in the context of social media, slang is always in the process of evolving.
Where did bop come from slang?
The word “bop” has history that goes back to as early as the 20th century. Its roots are linked to bebop which is a fast entertaining and improvisational style of jazz developed in the 1940’s. For this reason, bebop jazz was characterized by liveliness, joviality, and many rhythmical twists. Thus differing from other jazz varieties dominant at that time. As this style of music evolved, musicians and their fans began to less and less frequently and simply refer to this type of music as “bop. ”
However, over time “bop” changed, to its present form. In the 90s the meaning of the word was not only associated with jazz music it could be used to describe anything exciting. This is when ‘bop’ began to be associated with fun and finally, good songs, or better still, whacky songs. Today, thanks to TikTok, the word ‘bop’ has returned to society’s lexicon, mainly to refer to music that is enjoyable, spirited, and even contagious.
Evolution of “Bop”:
- 1940s: “Bebop” Jazz is birthed, which is fast becoming known for having an up-tempo rhythm.
- 1990s: This definition given to the word “Bop” makes it possible for anything to be considered bopping. This includes anything enjoyable or exciting as it is used specifically for music only.
- 2020s: The latest music trend that TikTok brings back the term ‘bop’ for viral catchy, and danceable songs.
The word “bop” originated from jazz, and has progressed from a slang term included in a generation’s vernacular. Moreover, it is to the newest generation’s social media platform jargon. The generation adds its flairs to the term and in the recent day, it is more associated with viral songs.
How should teens use Slang in their social media?
Slang is spontaneous and is used by youth. That is how one communicates, shares information, and even demonstrates to others that he or she belongs to a certain group of the online community. However, slang may sometimes become a cause of misunderstanding or otherwise create problems if used in the wrong manner. Here are some guidelines for teens when using slang online:
- Know the meaning: In as much as slang is informal and has a different meaning from normal English, make sure you agree on the meaning. In addition to that, some slang words may have several meanings. Hence one should avoid using a wrong term that may lead to embarrassment or even being rude.
- Consider the audience: It will be noted that various generations may not view slang in the same manner. Remember that your post might be seen by friends, family, or, in the future, employers.
- Avoid offensive slang: Nevertheless, some terms used in speech or written language refer to slang and can sometimes be insulting. Ensure that you avoid using words that might offend other people or maybe preserve a wrong image of yourself.
- Balance slang with clear communication: Slangs are often enjoyable but there are cases where they are incomprehensible. Using them while working at a moderate level makes it possible to convey your intended message effectively to other people.
How to know what slang your teens use in social media?
It might be difficult to keep track of the slang your teen uses on different social networks. As there are quite a number of them and terms may emerge from time to time. However, there are additional tools like FlashGet Kids that can help parents monitor this developing language without being considered invasive.
With FlashGet Kids, you can:
- You can set the keyword detection for slang words that interest you. It can be specific to TikTok or any other social media app that your kid uses.
- Getting notification updates from your child’s phone within the FlashGet Kids parental control dashboard. This will help you keep track of all the messages and slang updates your child uses.
One doesn’t have to worry about their child using the wrong Slang in FlashGet Kids. All in all, it further informs you of the current slang to expect your child to be using.
Closing thoughts
The meaning of ‘bop’ on TikTok is just a perfect epitome of how Gen-Z keeps on redefining language. Even the etymology of the term shows how slang is created and how the relevant terms spread. From referring to jazz and improvisation to being used in the context of Internet memes, the transition can be traced.
Knowledge of such terms can assist parents in being in touch with teens’ digital world and activities. Moreover, programs like FlashGet Kids help to monitor slang as it provides you with opportunities to teach your teenager to be responsible in using social networks.
