Unplugged
Meaning: An acoustic performance without electric amplification, or figuratively, disconnecting from technology.
Made famous by MTV Unplugged, the term describes stripped-down acoustic performances. Nirvana's and Eric Clapton's Unplugged albums are considered classics. Beyond music, 'unplugging' means disconnecting from phones, social media, and technology.
Examples
- The unplugged version of that song is actually better than the original. 那首歌的不插电版本其实比原版还好听。La versión acústica de esa canción es mejor que la original.あの曲のアンプラグドバージョンの方がオリジナルより良いよ。그 노래의 언플러그드 버전이 사실 원곡보다 더 나아.
- I'm going to unplug this weekend — no phone, no email. 这个周末我要断网——不看手机、不收邮件。Este fin de semana voy a desconectar — ni móvil ni correo.今週末はデジタルデトックスするわ——スマホもメールもなし。이번 주말에는 디지털 디톡스 할 거야 — 폰도 이메일도 없이.
- They did an unplugged set at the coffee shop and it was incredible. 他们在咖啡店做了一场不插电的表演,效果太棒了。Hicieron un set acústico en la cafetería y fue increíble.カフェでアンプラグドのセットをやったんだけど、すごく良かった。카페에서 언플러그드 세트를 했는데 정말 대단했어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: music, digital detox, acoustic performance
Tone: appreciative, calm
✓ Do Say
- Let's hear the unplugged version.来听听不插电的版本吧。Escuchemos la versión acústica.アンプラグドバージョンを聴こうよ。언플러그드 버전 한번 들어보자.
- I need to unplug for a while.我需要暂时远离电子设备。Necesito desconectar un rato.しばらくデジタルデトックスしたい。나 좀 쉬면서 디지털에서 벗어나야겠어.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use 'unplugged' for any acoustic performance — it specifically evokes the stripped-down, intimate format不要把所有原声表演都叫'unplugged'——它特指那种精简的、亲密氛围的演出形式No uses 'unplugged' para cualquier actuación acústica — evoca específicamente el formato íntimo y despojado単なるアコースティック演奏すべてにunpluggedは使わないこと——シンプルで親密なフォーマットを特に想起させる言葉모든 어쿠스틱 공연에 'unplugged'를 쓰지 말 것 — 이 표현은 특별히 간소화된 친밀한 포맷을 떠올리게 한다
Origin & History
Popularized by MTV Unplugged, which debuted in 1989. The show featured artists performing acoustic versions of their songs, creating some of the most iconic live albums in music history.
Cultural Context
Era: 1989 MTV Unplugged launch
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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