Slam poetry

n. A style of spoken word poetry that is generally used in a competition, known as a poetry slam. Often, as with hip-hop music, the subject matter concerns urban life, crime, drugs, or other inner-city-related subjects. The difference in many cases, however, is that with slam poetry, the words/lyrics are more introspective and creative than your run-of-the-mill hit rap song. Also seems influenced by the Beat Poets, such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac.

Beau Sia wrote a book of slam poetry called "A Night Without Armor II: The Revenge," which probably really pissed off Jewel Kilcher.

by loop zoop July 3, 2011

slam poetry

The poetry that thrives in a culture of non-readers. Very sincere, bad poetry. Delivered in front of and given encouragement from a small group of people who are also bad poets. Slam poets think that their poetry is more powerful if they just yell it. Sincerely painful to listen to. It's bad poetry. They try very hard, but they have no idea what they're doing.

Most slam poetry could be better classified as motivational speaking or stand-up comedy.

by Alisha Cunningham December 9, 2008