From "Bangers" to "Wubs": A Glossary of EDM Slang
Navigate the vibrant world of electronic dance music with our essential guide to the genre's unique vocabulary.
ZM
by Zillion Marketplace
The Anatomy of a Track
Drop
The centerpiece where tension releases in a powerful wave of bass, synths, and drums.
Build-up
Creates anticipation with increasing tempo, drum rolls, and rising synth lines.
Breakdown
A stripped-down, melodic section providing a breather after high energy.
Bass Elements
808
Named after the Roland TR-808 drum machine. The deep, booming bass drum sound that forms the cornerstone of trap music.
When you hear chest-rattling bass, it's likely an 808 or inspired sample.
Wub
The quintessential sound of dubstep. These are wobbling, oscillating bass sounds giving the genre its characteristic rhythmic growl.
Wubs vary from slow and menacing to rapid-fire and aggressive.
Describing the Sound
Banger
An incredibly energetic and danceable track. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that compels movement.
Filthy/Grimy
Describes a heavy, distorted bassline. A "filthy drop" is the highest compliment.
Nasty
Praises an impressive, hard-hitting drop or bassline.
Wonky
Music that's off-kilter with unusual timings, creating a disorienting yet groovy feel.
Dubstep Subgenres
Brostep
Aggressive, robotic, metal-influenced sounds
Riddim
Repetitive, minimalistic basslines and drum patterns
Dubstep
The foundation with characteristic wobble bass
Festival Culture
PLUR
Peace, Love, Unity, Respect - the foundational ethos of rave culture
Kandi
Colorful bead bracelets traded as symbols of friendship
The Rail
Barrier separating crowd from stage where dedicated fans gather
Lost Lands
Synonymous with the heaviest bass-centric dubstep
Dance Moves & Fan Types
Trap Arms
Signature dance move with rhythmic forward-and-backward arm swaying, timed with hi-hats.
Headbanger
Fan of heavy dubstep who enjoys headbanging to intense drops.
Vibe Catcher
Someone immersed in the overall atmosphere and feeling of a track or event.
Track Identification
ID - ID
Unknown artist, unknown track
Artist - ID
Known artist, unreleased track
Released Track
Fully identified and available
Sound Characteristics
1
Guttural
Deep, throaty, distorted bass sound common in heavy dubstep.
2
Wonky
Off-kilter rhythms creating disorienting yet groovy feelings.
3
Filthy
Particularly heavy and distorted bassline that impresses listeners.
4
Nasty
Praise for an impressive and hard-hitting drop or bassline.
Master the EDM Lexicon
Listen
Immerse yourself in different EDM subgenres.
Engage
Join conversations in comment sections and forums.
Connect
Attend festivals and events to experience the culture firsthand.
Evolve
Keep up with new terms as the scene continues to change.