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post-punk

After the punk movement.

poʊst pʌŋkDocumented since 1970s1970sGen XhistoricalCurrent71 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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4 definitions
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5 citations · last seen May 2026

Etymology timeline

Born ~1970 · 1 year of recorded use
1970Born2026: 5 citationsToday, 2026
Boomer / counterculture eraSee decade cohort →

Seen in the wild

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Global
#4·Apr 26, 2026Global

A subgenre that emerged from punk rock in the late 1970s, characterized by experimentation, angular guitars, and heavier influence from art-rock and electronics. Key bands: Joy Division, Wire, The Fall, Talking Heads.

"Post-punk had a major revival in the 2020s."
Origin: Coined by music critics in the late 1970s; Joy Division's 1979-80 output is foundational; revived heavily 2020s by IDLES, Fontaines DC, Squid, Black Country New Road.
For parents

Post-punk means: A subgenre that emerged from punk rock in the late 1970s, characterized by experimentation, angular guitars, and heavier influence from art-rock and electronics. Key bands: Joy Division, Wire, The. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

post-punk means: A subgenre that emerged from punk rock in the late 1970s, characterized by experimentation, angular guitars, and heavier influence from art-rock and electronics. Key bands: Joy. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Heard in the wild
  • Elevator To Eden by Lives of Angels, drifts through skeletal post-punk, cold synth textures and a distinctly nocturnal mood. Long prized in underground circles, this Dark Entries reissue gives the album the presence it always deserved

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • Laughing Hyenas is the saga of one of the most uncompromising quartets in post-punk’s artistically dubious history. Get Steve Miller's book here: www.jcardpress.com/shop/p/laugh... #laughinghyenas #newsounds #punkrockhistory #outlawrocknroll #postpunk #addictionstory

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • Nieuwe single 'Fame’s A Joke And I Forgot The Punchline' van #InlandseMaatjes Triple A: vettige post-punk met knipoog https://damusic.be/dossier/triple-a-fame-s-a-joke-and-i-forgot-the-punchline.html

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • PLANET 9 - 001 Broadcasting from the dark side. Post-punk. Coldwave. Darkwave. Indie sleaze. Transmitting from PLANET Nine www.mixcloud.com/SPACEDOGSRAD...

    Bluesky· May 2026
  • if someone said they didn't get post-punk, what one track would you send them

    Bluesky· May 2026
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Global
#1·May 2, 2026Global

After the punk movement.

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Global
#2·May 2, 2026Global

A rock music genre that followed punk rock and was more artistic and experimental, laying the foundations for alternative rock.

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Global
#3·May 2, 2026Global

A performer or aficionado of post-punk music.

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