Rockist is a term used to describe someone who has a narrow or conservative outlook on music and believes that the best music is found in the rock genre. The spelling of the word "rockist" is consistent with English phonetic rules, as it is pronounced /ˈrɒkɪst/ - with a long "o" sound and a hard "k" sound at the end. The word can be broken down into two parts - "rock" and "ist" which means a person who follows a particular ideology or belief system.
Rockist is a term used to describe a person who adheres to a traditionalist or conservative approach towards music, particularly rock music. This term originated in the 1980s as a means to criticize individuals who displayed a bias or preference for older styles or genres of rock music, often dismissing or disregarding newer or emerging musical styles.
A rockist typically values and celebrates the classic rock genres and subgenres that gained popularity between the 1960s and 1980s, such as classic rock, hard rock, glam rock, and heavy metal. This individual tends to emphasize the importance of virtuosity, guitar solos, and live performance, often idolizing iconic rock bands and musicians from the past.
The term "rockist" can also be utilized more broadly to criticize a narrow-minded or exclusionary attitude towards music in general. It implies a resistance to accepting newer musical innovations and genres, favoring the established canon of rock music that aligns with their personal preferences.
Some argue that rockists tend to overlook the vitality and creativity inherent in contemporary music, often dismissing it as inferior or lacking genuine musical substance. The term has been employed in music criticism, where it serves as a reminder to approach music in a more open-minded and inclusive manner, appreciating the diverse range of styles and genres that exist beyond the traditional boundaries of rock music.
The term "rockist" is a relatively modern word and does not have a long history in etymology. It emerged in the late 20th century as a way to describe a certain musical taste or attitude, particularly in the context of rock music.
The word "rockist" is derived from the noun "rock" and the suffix "-ist", which is used to form nouns indicating a person who practices or advocates a particular ideology, belief, or activity. In this case, it refers to someone who is a fan or enthusiast of rock music and holds a particular set of beliefs or preferences regarding it.
The exact origin or first usage of the term "rockist" is not clear, as its usage gradually evolved over time. However, it gained more prominence and visibility in the 1990s and early 2000s through discussions and debates within music criticism and cultural analysis.