![[Buzzword? Music-origin?] The meanings of “chill-teru” and “chill out,” and chill synth sounds](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/1200__jpg__https://www.studiorag.com/files/2018/01/33c7719077ebd6b7f6a3686dae8ace88.webp)
I first learned this word thanks to a comment from a senior DJ.
This is about the time I helped set up a club-style event outdoors.
「chill out“Shall we make some space here?” my senior said.
I still clearly remember how I immediately asked, 'What is that?'
It was quite a long time ago—this happened around 2010.
Did it branch out from that?
By now,chilling” or “chillYou even hear people say things like that nowadays, don’t you?
This time, I’m going to write about the meaning and origin of “chill out,” examples of how it’s used, and its relationship to music!
I will explain in detail, so please take a look!
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Meaning, Etymology, Example Sentences
Chill Out
What in Japanese would be called “calm downIt means that.
However, the word “chill” itself, as a noun, carries the meaning of “a chill” or “a shiver.”
It’s interesting because it doesn’t originally have a very positive image.
When used as an adjective, it functions with a meaning equivalent to “calm” or “laid-back.”
As a verb, it carries the meanings “to play” and “to relax.”
However, in general, the phrase “Chill out” is commonly used in conversation.
The word “chill” is rarely used on its own.
chilling
It’s a coined word derived from “chill out.”
It's in the present continuous form.
When you revert it, it just stays as 'chill.'
The meaning is the same as in English: "relaxI think that nuance is the closest.
Additionally, when it's an adjective, it may be expressed as something like "chill."
It might feel a bit difficult, but "calmIt’s close to the nuance of “”.
It might be easier to understand if you replace it with expressions like “hokkori” (warm and cozy) or “mattari” (laid-back and relaxing).
Hana Imai (@imaihana) • Instagram photos and videos
By the way, the phrase “chirutteru” (chilling) in Japan isHana ImaiIt is said to have become widely known among younger people after being featured on Nippon TV’s “Ariyoshi Hanseikai,” which aired on June 4, 2016.
The term “Chill Out” itself has already been known in Japan’s club scene since around the year 2000.
Example sentence
We’ve covered the basics, so this is the advanced section.
This time, it’s a situation that takes place inside a club.
- Gonna step out for a bit to chill (grab some fresh air).
- We could totally chill over there! (pointing at a couch, inviting someone)
- This DJ is so chill! (praising a lounge DJ’s track selection)
Did you catch the nuance? (lol)
It’s a bit forceful, but I think it’s probably something like this.
If you feel like it, try using it in a different situation too (lol).
Next, let’s take a peek at everyone’s “Chill Out” on social media!
How “Chill Out” is used, as seen on Instagram
Examples of use overseas
I searched with Chillout.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeURRBHhyLJ/?taken-by=ig80
Chill out at a resort hotel♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeSHGq1AaU3/?taken-by=lynnea_g
Chill out in a colorful hammock♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeRSKBLlwL7/?taken-by=pariniagustin
Chilling on a sunny, warm beach♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeSG5nED5uB/?taken-by=beautyby_stephk
Chill out with AVEDA skincare♪
Example usage in Japan
I’m searching with the hashtag #chillout.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYJ71htll7y/?taken-by=nagase_sayaka
Chillin’ at the jazz fest♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeIZ3WIHITk/?taken-by=ka.chuta303
Chilling out with a seafood rice bowl in Tsuruga♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcXbz3rHyzZ/?taken-by=miha_0424
Witness vivid colors♪ Chill out on Ishigaki Island♪
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbjonoTh-ry/?taken-by=mistgump
Chilling out in the dark, surrounded by nature.
Chillout in the history of music
Up to this point we’ve explained the meaning of “Chill Out,” but it also carries an important meaning in music.
Because the music genre "Chill Out" exists.
“Chill Out” as Electronica
“Chill Out” is an umbrella genre that refers to various forms of relatively slow-tempo music created by electronic musicians in the early to mid-1990s.
It was created with the purpose of cooling down the heated bodies of the guests on the main dance floor.Derived from the music played on the subfloorI am doing (it).
Establishment of nomenclature
It is said that the term became widespread in 1990, prompted by KLF’s album “Chill Out.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5R6EYHS-NU
What do you think?
Compared to the current 'Chill Out,' it gives a more avant-garde impression.
At this point, the structure is about as close to ambient music as it gets.
It has fewer musical elements than downtempo, and most of it is non-beat.
This release became a decisive one that expanded subsequent categorization.
Recommended radio programs featuring 'Chill Out'
You can enjoy chill sounds non-stop.
If this kind of genre resonates with you, please use it as a reference.
Soma FM
Completely free!
A long-established streaming radio station specializing in ambient music.
A mist-like soundscape envelops you.
I recommend listening to it quietly when you go to sleep.
In a good way, it’s not too quirky (lol)!
The song’s development is very long.
DI.FM
This is also free.
An easy-to-understand explanation of the history of dance music using a correlation chart!
It’s a streaming radio run by the site that was operating it.
It's an easy listen with a slightly downtempo-leaning selection of tracks.
iTunes Radio
It’s the largest radio channel!
You can easily purchase and download your favorite tracks from iTunes.
However, you need to subscribe to Apple Music to listen.
Therefore, it is paid.
They are well-known for their wide-ranging selection, from instrumentals to vocal tracks.
SMART USEN
SMART USEN – Meditation Music: Drone Ambient
USEN’s affordable channel.
Viewing from a PC is not possible; you can listen by installing the app on your smartphone.
This is also on a monthly subscription.
Since it’s a channel made by a Japanese company, the song selection might be well attuned to Japanese tastes.
a chill-toned synthesizer
Up to this point, I think you can find quite a lot of hits by checking other sites as well.
This is a bit of a tangent, but from here I'd like to move on to a gear introduction that's unique to “Welcome to Studio Rag.”
Now then, feast your eyes on this synthesizer that lays down some chill sounds (lol)!
If you're not interested, please just skip it...
WALDORF/MicroWAVE XT
It’s a product from WALDORF, a German electronics manufacturer.
This one is considered a classic among them: the MicroWave XT, a model that uses the technology of the PPG Wave — the world’s first digital wavetable synthesizer — from PPG (the predecessor of Waldorf).
The comet-like red body is novel and might sound three times more dazzling than usual.
The sound is completed using only the internal effectors.
ROLAND/Alpha Juno MKS-50
Roland’s MKS-50 is a hidden gem from the Juno series.
Speaking of the Alpha Juno, it took the world by storm within the series with its especially ravey, über sound, but it can produce chill tones like this too.
In the video, the sound is crafted using STRYMON’s BigSky Reverb in combination with EVENTIDE’s TimeFactor.
Mmm, that’s some fat harmonics!
Behringer/DEEPMIND 12
DEEPMIND, Behringer’s very first synthesizer, generated tremendous buzz upon its debut.
It falls into the highest price range within the brand, and we also featured it on our site.
What do you think of Behringer’s DeepMind 12 analog synthesizer?
It’s a majestic sound, as if communicating with the cosmos.
Keep an eye on the latest editing features that use external devices like the iPad.
Access/Virus B
This is the Virus B from Access, the German manufacturer that ignited the virtual analog synthesizer boom.
I don’t think you’ll find many synthesizers that are this enjoyable with such simple melodies.
From rounded, soft tones to sharp, undulating timbres, the originality-filled sound seems like it could make your ears happy.
It's in the spiritual category, right?
Surprisingly, it's also widely used for sound design in trance and EDM.
Lastly
Words that have been used within club culture have become commonplace in recent years.
If you come across club jargon that sounds interesting and catches your attention, definitely look it up yourself too.
And please try incorporating it into your daily life!