Muzak

See also: muzak

English

Etymology

Derived from a play on the word "music" incorporating the "-ak" from Kodak, by Muzak Corporation (later Muzak Holdings, LLC), a company which pioneered the creation of the genre.

Noun

Muzak (uncountable)

1. (music) Recorded background music transmitted by wire, radio or compact disc on a subscription basis to grocery and department stores, doctor's offices, and other places of business and characterized by soft, soothing instrumental sounds.
2. (often in a derogatory sense) Easy listening music in general.
   • 2005, David Foster Wallace, This is water:

     And the store is hideously lit and infused with soul-killing muzak or corporate pop and it’s pretty much the last place you want to be but you can’t just get in and quickly out; you have to wander all over the huge, over-lit store’s confusing aisles ...

Derived terms

• muzaky

See also

• elevator music
• easy listening

Anagrams

• Kuzma