Definition

A rock music genre and aesthetic movement originating in Seattle in the late 1980s, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, angst-ridden lyrics, and a deliberately unkempt visual style. It also refers to the fashion and cultural ethos associated with this movement.

Example Usage

Nirvana's album 'Nevermind' defined the grunge era of the 1990s.

Origin

Likely from the word 'grungy,' meaning dirty or grimy, reflecting the raw, unpolished sound and aesthetic.

Fun Fact

Grunge fashion, ironically born from thrift-store practicality, became a billion-dollar industry and mainstream fashion trend in the 1990s.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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