ghetto blaster
Shoulder-carried radio
A ghetto blaster is a large portable stereo, typically with a cassette player, radio, and powerful speakers—designed to be carried on the shoulder and played loudly in public.
The term emerged in the 1980s, referencing the urban neighborhoods where the devices were popular.
Also called a boombox.
The term carries racial and class connotations that make it dated and potentially offensive.
Informal song compilation
- hip-hopRhythmic spoken-word music
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- turntablismPhonograph-based music creation
- MCingInformal term for hosting
beatbox · rap · funk · soul · DJing · freestyle · rhymes · sampling
Portable stereo with speakers
- breakdanceAcrobatic street-style movement
- b-boyMale street dancer
- MTVYouth-oriented video network
- legwarmersKnitted calf coverings
arcade · VHS · aerobics · neon · parachute pants · moonwalk · Run-DMC · LL Cool J
Energized by cells
- handheldDesigned for palm use
- cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
- boomboxPortable stereo with speakers
- radioElectromagnetic wave receiver
compact · antenna · handle · outdoor · beach · park · street · stoop
mixtape
Informal song compilation
- hip-hopRhythmic spoken-word music
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- turntablismPhonograph-based music creation
MCing · beatbox · rap · funk · soul · DJing · freestyle · rhymes · sampling · scratching
boombox
Portable stereo with speakers
- breakdanceAcrobatic street-style movement
- b-boyMale street dancer
- MTVYouth-oriented video network
legwarmers · arcade · VHS · aerobics · neon · parachute pants · moonwalk · Run-DMC · LL Cool J · Adidas
battery-powered
Energized by cells
radio · compact · antenna · handle · outdoor · beach · park · street · stoop · sidewalk
decibels
Acoustic intensity units
- amplifiedIncreased in strength
- earsplittingExtremely, painfully loud
- thunderousExtremely loud, resounding
deafening · booming · blaring · treble · volume · speakers · resonant · loud · pumping · thumping
cassette
Magnetic audio cartridge
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- speakersAudio output devices
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
tuner · equalizer · antenna · playback · record · dubbing · AM/FM · woofer · tweeter · chrome
- 80s NostalgiaCabbage Patch Kids, Care Bears, G.I. Joe, He-Man, Masters of the Universe
- tape playerscassette deck, cassette player, tape deck, boombox, boom box
- Gun Slanggat, piece, heater, strap, rod
ghetto blasterheadphones
Wearable speakers for ears
earbuds · earphones · in-ear monitors · AirPods · noise-canceling headphones
ghetto blasterhi-fi system
Quality audio playback equipment
home stereo · Sony Walkman · Discman · gramophone · record player