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Learn more English in a Minute
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(Clips: Getty)
Introduction
You might already know one meaning of 'pop' – it's short for popular music, like the songs you often hear played on the radio. But do you know these four other meanings? Get to know the word 'pop' with Becca!
4 meanings of 'pop'
small, explosive sound
A pop is what it sounds like – a short, sharp sound!
- What's that cereal called? The one which pops when you pour the milk in.
- I think your speaker is broken – it keeps making a strange popping sound.
release energy sharply and suddenly
If you pop something, you suddenly release a burst of energy, like when a balloon bursts.
- Stop blowing up that balloon. It's going to pop!
- When I was little, I loved to pop bubble wrap.
stand out
If something pops, it stands out from its surroundings and catches your attention.
- I love wearing bright colours that pop, especially in summer.
- I love the colour of your wall – it really makes that picture pop.
go somewhere/put something somewhere
If you pop somewhere, you quickly go there. If you pop something somewhere, you quickly put it there.
- I've just popped to the shop for some more teabags – I'll be back in a moment.
- I'll pop the milk in the fridge – we won't need it until I'm back.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Becca
Did you know that 'pop' is short for popular music? 'Pop' is also an onomatopoeia – a word that suggests the sound it describes.
Example
What's that cereal called? The one which pops when you pour the milk in.
Becca
It's also a verb that can be used to describe suddenly releasing energy – like a burst of energy.
Example
Stop blowing up that balloon. It's going to pop!
Becca
If something pops, it stands out or catches your attention. It could be brightly coloured, bold or contrast with other things around it.
Example
I love wearing bright colours that pop, especially in summer.
Becca
And finally, 'pop' can also mean to go somewhere or put something somewhere.
Example
I've just popped to the shop. I'll pop the milk in the fridge.
Becca
A pop is a sound, but can also be a verb that means to release energy, to catch your attention, or to go or put something somewhere. Which meanings are new for you?
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
Find our latest programmes here.
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