popcorn
UK: ˈpɒpkɔːn | US: ˈpɑːpkɔːrn
n. a snack made from corn kernels that burst open and puff up when heated
n. (informal) light or trivial entertainment, especially movies or television
popcorn = pop<burst open with a sound> + corn<grain, maize>
- pop (from Middle English poppen, meaning "to make a sudden explosive sound")
- corn (from Old English corn, meaning "grain" or "seed," later specialized to "maize" in American English)
Etymology Origin:
The word popcorn vividly describes the process of its creation: corn kernels pop open when heated due to steam pressure. The term emerged in the early 19th century in American English, combining the onomatopoeic "pop" with "corn," reflecting both the sound and the main ingredient. Its informal usage for trivial entertainment (e.g., "popcorn movies") metaphorically extends the idea of something light and easily consumed.
We bought a large bucket of popcorn at the cinema.
Popcorn is a classic snack for movie nights at home.
The sound of popcorn popping in the microwave always makes me hungry.
She prefers salty popcorn over the sweet variety.
Critics dismissed the film as mere popcorn entertainment.