pops

Pops is a term with several distinct meanings in English, depending on context. It can function as a plural noun for the informal family title pop (father or grandfather), where phrases like “my pops” or “the pops” are used affectionately by some speakers. This sense is cultural and regional, and it is not tied to a single community or language variant.

In everyday speech, pop can refer to a carbonated soft drink, particularly in North American English. While the uncountable singular “pop” is more common, “pops” may appear when speaking of fizzy drinks in general or in casual child-directed language. The beverage sense is separate from the familial sense and is about a consumable product rather than a person.

In music, pop refers to popular music, a broad genre that includes many substyles. The plural form “the Pops” is often used as a proper noun to designate orchestral or concert ensembles that present light classical or popular repertoire. Notable examples include the Boston Pops Orchestra, whose informal nickname is “the Pops.” This usage is specific to musical institutions and programs and is distinct from the generic sense of pop music.

Pops can also denote onomatopoeic sounds, such as the sharp noise of a cork, bubble bursting, or a gunshot, with the plural used when describing multiple occurrences of such sounds. Overall, the meaning of “pops” is highly context-dependent and relies on adjoining terms to convey the intended sense.