Where does the slang "concept" come from?

"a general notion, the immediate object of a thought," 1550s, from Medieval Latin conceptum "draft, abstract," in classical Latin "(a thing) conceived," from concep-, past-participle stem of concipere "to take in and hold; become pregnant," from con-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see con-), \+ combining form of capere "to take" (from PIE root \*kap- "to grasp"). In some 16c. cases a refashioning of conceit, perhaps to avoid negative connotations that had begun to cling to that word. !concep

When did "concept" first appear?

"concept" is first attested around 1990.

Is "concept" offensive?

"concept" has a casual risk level — read the definition for context.

What does "concept" mean for ESL learners?

"concept" is informal English meaning the overarching visual, sonic, and narrative theme a group commits to for a release era — dark fantasy, cute, retro, cyber, etc. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "the overarching visual" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake is to assume "concept" can replace its standard equivalent in every register; keep it for spoken or casual situations and use the formal form in writing. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

concept · Slangora

Q: What does "concept" mean?

The overarching visual, sonic, and narrative theme a group commits to for a release era — dark fantasy, cute, retro, cyber, etc. Fans debate whether an act should stay in concept or switch things up.

"concept" means the overarching visual, sonic, and narrative theme a group commits to for a release era — dark fantasy, cute, retro, cyber, etc. It is one of many casual words teens pick up from friends, social media, music or sport, and on its own it carries no particular warning. If you hear your teen use it, it is fair to ask what they mean by it in their friend group, since meanings drift quickly. Asking out of curiosity rather than alarm tends to keep the conversation open and useful.

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