classic-rock
UK[ˈklæsɪk rɒk]US[ˈklæsɪk rɑːk]
n
A genre of rock music that is widely considered to be of lasting artistic value, typically referring to the period from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s and the music of its most prominent and enduring artists.
n
A radio format that plays this genre of music.
Morpheme Breakdown
classic
rock
classic
of lasting significance
rock
rock music
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the late 20th century. The word 'classic' derives from the Latin classicus, originally relating to the highest class of Roman citizens, which evolved to signify works of the first rank or enduring excellence. 'Rock', as a shorthand for 'rock and roll', emerged in the mid-20th century to describe a dominant genre of popular music. The compound 'classic rock' applies the notion of timeless, authoritative quality to a specific body of rock music from a defined historical era, effectively canonizing it within popular culture. It reflects a process of retrospective evaluation where music from the 1960s and 1970s is accorded a status analogous to that of classical literature or art.
Analysis
Structure: classic (of lasting significance) + rock (rock music)
classic: From Latin classicus (of the highest class, authoritative). In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning 'of lasting significance or recognized value'.
rock: Shortened from 'rock and roll'. In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting the genre of popular music.
Examples
The radio station switched to a classic-rock format, playing hits from the 1970s.
His taste in music is strictly limited to classic-rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who.
The museum's exhibit explored the fashion and culture of the classic-rock era.