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Revision as of 18:39, 29 November 2005

For the box set by No Doubt, see Boom Box (No Doubt box set).

A boombox or boom box is a portable stereo system capable of playing radio stations or recorded music at relatively high volume.

The synonym ghettoblaster or ghetto blaster is a term that can be considered insulting or complimentary depending on the context. The word ghettoblaster originated in the U.S., apparently reflecting the belief that such systems are popular in poor inner-city neighborhoods (ghettos), especially those populated by black Americans. Ghetto blaster rather than boom box became the common term in the UK and Australia for large portable stereos, perhaps because it carried less meaning.

The term carries a connotation of power and disregard of social rules, shown in the ability to blast music to overwhelm those around you, as portrayed in the film Do the Right Thing by director Spike Lee. Dispute over a ghettoblaster was a central role in that movie's culminating riot.

The word is racially inflammatory in some circumstances but has also been embraced as a term of black, urban pride — and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one magazine and one recording company, and is also a popular stereotype element typically associated with funk, hip-hop and rap, African American culture, 1970s and 1980s culture, breakdancing and even racist jokes.

• Consumer electronics