punk rock

Definition

A genre of rock music associated with short, loud, energetic songs played on electric guitars and drums and employing angry, offensive, and/or political lyrics.

Etymology

See punk + rock. First attested in 1970 in reference to rockabilly; possibly coined in its current sense by American music critic Dave Marsh in the May 1971 issue of Creem, from earlier punk music.

Example Sentences

• "Punk rock died when the first kid said / "Punk's not dead, punk's not dead""