LONG PLAY Meaning and
Definition
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Long play, often abbreviated as LP, refers to a specific category of vinyl records that are typically used for playing and recording music. The term initially emerged in the mid-20th century to describe an extended playing format for records, in contrast to earlier, shorter formats like singles or EPs (extended plays). An LP is characterized by its larger physical size, typically 12 inches in diameter, and a larger storage capacity that allows for a longer duration of audio playback compared to other formats.
The long play record revolutionized the music industry by enabling the storage of up to 40 minutes of audio on both sides of the disc. This format provided musicians and artists with greater creative freedom, allowing for complete albums to be released as opposed to just individual songs or a couple of tracks. The LP also facilitated enhanced audio fidelity due to its wider grooves and slower playback speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Moreover, the term "long play" has also come to refer more generally to any extended or prolonged activity or event. Whether in a musical or non-musical context, the phrase can denote a duration longer than usual or expected. For example, a movie marketed as a "long play" could indicate its extended running time compared to the average film. Similarly, in discussions about sports, conversations, or even work shifts, "long play" is often used to describe an activity that requires endurance or lasts a significant period.
Etymology of LONG PLAY
The word "long play" or "LP" originated in the field of music and specifically refers to vinyl records. The term emerged in the 1940s and 1950s when vinyl records were becoming more popular than shellac records. The LP format allowed for longer playing time due to its slower speed and microgroove technology.
The term itself, "long play", refers to the extended playing time offered by these vinyl records. It was coined as a marketing strategy to differentiate LP records from the previous standard format, which could only hold a few minutes of music on each side.
Although the exact origin of the term is not well-documented, it is believed to have been initially used by the American company Columbia Records, which introduced the "long-playing" format in 1948.
