English Lexicon

Slam Poetry

/slæm ˈpoʊ.ə.tri/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A form of competitive poetry where poets perform their work in front of an audience and are judged.

    "At the poetry slam, each performer captivated the audience with their unique style."
  2. 2

    A genre of performance poetry that combines elements of theater and spoken word.

    "Slam poetry often addresses social issues and personal experiences, making it a powerful medium for expression."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'slam poetry' originated in the United States in the late 1980s, combining 'slam', which refers to a competitive event, and 'poetry', derived from the Latin 'poetica', meaning 'the art of making'. The phrase evolved to describe a performance art that emphasizes the spoken word and audience engagement.

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