Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

shoegaze

noun

/ˈʃuːɡeɪz/

Definition

Shoegaze is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1980s and is characterized by its ethereal sound, blending distorted guitars with dreamy vocals.

Examples

The band’s shoegaze style is defined by layers of guitar effects.
My friend introduced me to shoegaze music, and I instantly fell in love with its dreamy sound.
They played a shoegaze track that made the audience feel as if they were floating.

Meaning

The term ‘shoegaze’ refers to the tendency of musicians in this genre to stand still on stage, often looking down at their effects pedals, rather than engaging with the audience.