New ‘bullying’ term on the rise with young people: What is a ‘bop’?

New York Post - Apr 8th, 2025

The slang term 'bop' or 'la la bop' has gained popularity among young people, often used to shame individuals, particularly young women, by labeling them as promiscuous. Dr. Catherine Page Jeffrey from the University of Sydney explains that the term, originating in the early 2000s, is derogatory and is mainly used on social media to 'slut shame' individuals by highlighting their number of sexual partners. Although it can apply to both genders, societal norms mean it is mostly directed at girls. Despite its negative connotations, some women, especially adult content creators, are attempting to reclaim the term for empowerment, forming groups like the 'Bop House' to use the label in a self-affirming manner.

Dr. Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the context in which such terms are used, advocating for open dialogue between parents and their children about digital citizenship, respect, and gender stereotypes. She advises parents to engage with their children's online activities and interests, rather than only reprimanding them for potential issues. This approach can help demystify digital spaces and combat the tendency to panic over social media trends. The goal is to foster mutual understanding and guide young people toward responsible online behavior, without solely blaming social media for broader societal issues.

Social Media Parenting Misogyny Sexism Bop Slang Dr. Catherine Page Jeffrey University Of Sydney Slut Shaming Bop House Digital Citizenship

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant exploration of the slang term 'bop' and its implications for young people, particularly in the context of social media and gender dynamics. While the article is clear and engaging, it would benefit from additional evidence and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its accuracy and balance. The reliance on a single academic source limits the depth of the analysis, and greater transparency regarding the methodology and sources would improve the article's credibility. Overall, the piece effectively raises awareness about an important issue but could be strengthened by more comprehensive reporting and diverse viewpoints.

Accuracy

The article makes several claims about the term 'bop' and its usage among young people, which are partially accurate but require further verification. The assertion that 'bop' is a slang term used to shame young women for promiscuity is a significant claim that could be supported by specific examples or studies on social media usage. The mention of Dr. Catherine Page Jeffrey providing context about the term's origin and its derogatory nature adds some credibility, but the lack of direct citations or data weakens the factual foundation. The article's claim about the term's reclamation by influencers is plausible but would benefit from more evidence, such as specific social media posts or interviews with the influencers mentioned. Overall, while the article presents a coherent narrative, it lacks the depth of evidence needed to fully substantiate its claims.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both Dr. Jeffrey, who discusses the negative implications of the term 'bop,' and the influencers who are attempting to reclaim it. This dual perspective allows readers to understand the term's complexity and its different interpretations. However, the article could enhance balance by including more voices, such as those of young people who use the term or those who have been affected by it. Additionally, exploring opposing viewpoints, such as those who may argue that the term is not harmful or that its reclamation is not significant, would provide a more comprehensive view.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the discussion of the term 'bop' and its implications. The language is accessible and free from jargon, making it easy for a general audience to understand. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations or examples to enhance comprehension, particularly regarding the term's historical context and its reclamation by influencers.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on Dr. Catherine Page Jeffrey as a source, which lends some authority due to her academic background. However, the lack of additional sources or direct quotes from individuals directly impacted by the term 'bop' limits the depth and reliability of the reporting. Including a broader range of sources, such as social media experts, psychologists, or young people familiar with the term, would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the term 'bop' and its usage but lacks transparency in terms of methodology and evidence. While Dr. Jeffrey's insights offer some background, the article does not disclose how the information was gathered or the extent of the research conducted. Clarifying these aspects, such as the sources of Dr. Jeffrey's statements or the data supporting the influencers' follower counts, would improve transparency and help readers assess the article's impartiality.