You might’ve come across the word “bop” in texts or while scrolling through social media, especially TikTok.
The term can carry different meanings depending on how it’s used, but one of the more controversial definitions is tied to how some users label women who are open about their appearance or sexual history.
Here’s a breakdown of what “bop” can mean, where it comes from, and why it can be seen as offensive.
Gen Z’s Use of the Word “Bop”
On TikTok, “bop” is often used to describe a person—usually a woman—who shares revealing photos online or is believed to have many sexual partners.
The label is generally negative and is seen by many as disrespectful.
While it can refer to anyone, it’s most commonly aimed at women, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and double standards.
Some users on TikTok have even shared videos listing so-called “signs” that someone is a bop, ranging from personality traits to appearance choices.
Examples:
- “Don’t talk to that bop. Can’t believe he cheated.”
- “She’s such a bop. She’s always surrounded by guys.”
- “He called me a bop just because I have male friends. Blocked.”
TikTok Users’ “Signs” Someone Is a Bop
These signs often appear in joke videos but can reflect biased views. Common examples include:
- Prefers the company of the opposite sex
- Has a tongue piercing
- Parties every weekend
- Likes Hot Cheetos
- Lives or has lived with a grandparent
- Gets affectionate quickly on dates
- Calls herself a “free spirit” or is looking for a “Man of God”
- Loves celebrity gossip or has a back tattoo
- Doesn’t post her partner on social media
- Listens to trap music
Where the Word come from?
The term “bop” has been around for years. One of the earliest recorded definitions appeared on Urban Dictionary in 2005, describing a woman known for engaging in oral sex frequently.
In 2023, the word gained fresh attention thanks to TikTok creator @theyhateonbiran1, who described it as someone who shows off their body online or is known for being with a lot of people.
Historically, “bop” comes from “bebop,” a fast-paced style of jazz that started in the 1940s.
Is It a Problematic Term?
Yes. While it technically could be used for any gender, it’s almost always directed at women, often to shame them for their lifestyle or appearance. Many see it as a form of slut-shaming and misogyny.
Using the word in this way is harmful and reduces a person’s worth to their sexual behavior, which is unfair and offensive.
Other Meanings of “Bop”
Not all uses of the word are negative. Here are a few other ways people use it:
- A Great Song: People often call catchy songs “bops.” It usually means the track is fun, energetic, or great for dancing.
- “That new track is a total bop!”
- Dancing: As a verb, “bop” can mean to dance enthusiastically or move along to music.
- “He was bopping around the room to the beat.”
- “He was bopping around the room to the beat.”
- A Hit or Strike: Sometimes “bop” is used to describe a punch or strike.
- “He got a solid bop to the head in that fight.”
- “He got a solid bop to the head in that fight.”
- Jazz Genre: “Bop,” short for bebop, is a type of jazz known for fast tempos and improvisation. It became popular in the 1940s.
- “I’ve been getting into classic bop lately.”
- “I’ve been getting into classic bop lately.”
- Balance of Payments: In economics, “BOP” refers to the financial statement tracking a country’s trade and financial transactions with other nations.
- Bureau of Prisons: In the U.S., “BOP” also stands for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the agency responsible for overseeing federal inmates and prison operations.
