backbeat
|back-beat|
/ˈbækˌbiːt/
accent on the offbeat
Etymology
'backbeat' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'back' and 'beat', where 'back' meant 'rear' and 'beat' meant 'a stroke or rhythmic strike'.
'backbeat' is a 20th-century coinage from American popular music (jazz, blues, early rock); the components derive from Old English: 'back' from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'back, rear', and 'beat' from Old English 'beatan' meaning 'to strike'. The modern musical term emerged as musicians described emphasizing the 'back' (off) beats.
Initially a literal compound meaning 'rear strike' or 'back stroke', it evolved in the 20th century into a technical musical term meaning an accent on the offbeat characteristic of jazz, R&B, and rock.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a rhythmic accent on the normally weak beats (often beats 2 and 4 in 4/4 time) that creates a driving, syncopated feel in styles such as rock, R&B, and jazz.
The drummer kept a steady backbeat throughout the song.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/25 12:02