CultureAugust 15, 2026

shoegaze

SHOO-gayz

Definition

A style of alternative rock music characterized by loud, layered guitars, obscured vocals, and an atmospheric, immersive sound.

Etymology

The term originated in the late 1980s as a derogatory description of musicians who stared at their guitar effect pedals while performing, creating the impression they were 'gazing' at their shoes.

In the news

The article mentions that Gregg Araki's 'Teenage Apocalypse' trilogy was soundtracked by shoegaze bands, highlighting the specific musical aesthetic that defined his cinematic world.

The one thing that Gregg Araki thinks is missing from movies: “I want to open up a conversation”

Read the full article ↗

Far Out Magazine

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.