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The term rave has a fascinating history. It has transitioned from a word meaning mental distress to a slang term for a global music movement. The primary modern definition of rave is slang for a large, organized dance party featuring electronic music. However, its meaning depends heavily on the era it is used in.
Historical Slang: From Delirium to Praise
The origins of the word “rave” are not musical. The term entered the English language centuries ago with a very different meaning.
- Medieval Roots: The verb to rave first appeared in the 14th century. It meant “to talk wildly” or “to show signs of madness or delirium”.
- The 20th Century Shift: By the 1920s, the meaning flipped in a positive way. In fact, journalists adopted rave as slang for an extravagantly enthusiastic review or high praise. People would “rave about” a book or movie.
- 1950s Revival: Specifically, British slang in the 1950s briefly used rave to describe any wild, boisterous party.
The Modern Slang: A Music-Driven Event
The most relevant slang meaning of the term emerged in the late 1980s. This is when the word was permanently attached to electronic music culture.
- Acid House Birth: The term was revived in the UK to describe the massive, all-night Acid House and warehouse parties.
- The Definition: Today, rave is slang for a large gathering where people dance to electronic music, often House, Techno, or Trance. These events are typically characterized by elaborate light shows and a communal atmosphere.
- The Core Philosophy: Therefore, the modern slang implies the wild abandon and emotional release of the original definition, but channeled through dance and community.
Slang within the Scene: The Language of Ravers
Within the culture itself, “rave” is part of a larger vocabulary. Attending an event is simply “raving.”
- P.L.U.R.: This is the most crucial slang term. It stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. It is the unwritten code of conduct for all ravers.
- Kandi: These are handmade beaded bracelets. Trading Kandi is a ritual that seals the P.L.U.R. agreement between two people.
- The Drop: This refers to the moment in a track when the beat and the main rhythmic element suddenly kick in after a musical build-up.
The word rave is slang for far more than just a party. It is a movement. It stands for a massive social phenomenon built around the unifying power of electronic music. Artists who play house music are the spiritual leaders of this culture.
An artist like DJ Play House carries the energy of the original, non-stop dance culture. They prove that the slang term is truly about the collective experience.
