The pop-punk dictionary.
Updated: Oct 5
Here it is, the thing nobody asked for. Y’all remember the Urban Dictionary? Well, this is the pop-punk dictionary. Your guide to all the words, phrases, and often baffling terminology associated with touring, live music, and the pop-punk genre.
"Pop-punk"
/ˈpɒp pʌŋk/
noun
A music genre that combines elements of punk rock and pop. It is defined by its fast-paced, energetic tempos, and emphasis on classic pop songcraft. Lyrics often focus on teenage angst, high school (which some say never ends), and messy breakups in small towns. It has an ability to make people nostalgic about a period in their lives they weren’t necessarily happy about.
Example:
“I love listening to pop-punk music, those lyrics I memorized when I was 16, still cut so deep in my 30s.”
"Tour bus"
/ˈtʊə bʌs/
noun
A vehicle in which the band and crew members travel around the country while attempting to sleep, eat, work and maintain some semblance of personal hygiene. Premium features include TVs with several remotes (none of which will do what you want them to), a beer cooler (built-in ice chest, often filled with Miller Lite), and at least one bunk where everyone stores their bags.
Example:
“Guys, pizza is on the tour bus, we gotta roll to make load-in at the next venue.”
"Backline"
/ˈbæklaɪn/
noun
All the equipment a band needs to make noise.
This can include, but is not limited to:
Amplifiers
Drum kit
Guitar cabinets
Microphones
Jaret's toothbrush
Backline can travel with a band, be hired locally or be supplied through the tour's production arrangements.
If you hear someone say:
"The backline isn't here yet."
Nobody is having a good day.
"Mosh pit"
/ˈmɒʃ pɪt/
noun
An isolated area within the crowd where fans throw themselves around, and often into each other.vvThese can vary in intensity, size, and levels of enthusiasm based on the genre. All mosh pits follow the same unwavering rule of "if someone falls down, you pick them back up". Despite appearances, they are generally very friendly and welcoming.
Example:
"I lost my shoe in the mosh pit!"
Not to be confused with a "circle pit".
"Merch"
/mɜːtʃ/
noun
A selection of apparel, often t-shirts and hoodies, but can extend to tote bags, hats, CDs, posters, badges, and maybe even umbrellas. These are all emblazoned with the band's name, and often tour dates. The purpose of these items is to show your friends that you have much better taste in music than them, and did in fact see the greatest band of all time live.
Also known to bands as what pays for their dinner, fuel, and touring costs.
Example:
"I'm going to get in the merch line so they don't sell out of my size".
"Setlist"
/ˈset.lɪst/
noun
A piece of paper with a list of songs on. Usually in a carefully planned specific order. Often not followed. These are highly sought after items at the end of the show. During which it inevitably got stuck to someone's shoe.
Example:
"We should put Alexa Bliss on the setlist!"
"Load in"
/ˈləʊd ɪn/
noun
The time designated to allow the crew to remove everything they carefully packed away less than 12 hours ago from the trailer and carry it into the venue. Sometimes venues try to make this into a challenging game of navigating busy streets, confusing corridors, and lifts that can only be used with the key that no one has.
Example:
"Good news, load in is at noon!"
"Encore"
/ˈɒŋkɔː/
noun
The moment after everyone pretends the show is over, and acts surprised when the band returns to play more songs. Who are we kidding? There's no way the show is over if Bowling For Soup haven't played "1985". Often it is prefaced with the band leaving the stage, though this can be dependent on whether stairs are involved or not.
Example:
"The crowd chanted "one more song", until the band re-emerged for the encore."
Hopefully this has cleared some things up for you. If there are any we've missed, let us know in the comments, and we'll feature them in the next pop-punk dictionary. See you at the next show!
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