backbeat

See also: back beat

English

Alternative forms

• back beat

Etymology

back +‎ beat

Noun

backbeat (plural backbeats)

1. (music) The sharp accent on the second and fourth beats of rock music in 4/4 time.
   • 1957, “Rock and Roll Music”, performed by Chuck Berry:

     Just let me hear some of that rock and roll music / Any old way you choose it / It's got a back beat, you can't lose it, / Any old time you use it