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pub rock

(music, UK, Australia) A kind of popular bluesy rock music, specifically unrelated forms of British and Australian music with a similar sound.

ˈpʌb ˈɹɑk213 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
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UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(music, UK, Australia) A kind of popular bluesy rock music, specifically unrelated forms of British and Australian music with a similar sound.

Origin: So called because bands rejected stadium venues and returned to the small pubs and clubs of the early years of live rock music. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

Pub rock means: A kind of popular bluesy rock music, specifically unrelated forms of British and Australian music with a similar sound.. It is mainly Australian English and may not be understood outside that context. 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

pub rock means: A kind of popular bluesy rock music, specifically unrelated forms of British and Australian music with a similar sound.. Register: informal, Australian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. 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.

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For specific readers

Pub rock means: A kind of popular bluesy rock music, specifically unrelated forms of British and Australian music with a similar sound.. It is mainly Australian English and may not be understood outside that context. 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.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.

See all Australian & NZ slang slang on Slangora.

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