Selling Out

A rather obsolete term people use to describe bands that have become more mainstream/commercial, usually after signing to a major label. Of course, just because a band has become more mainstream doesn't mean they've 'sold out'- it just means they have more money to spend on professional recordings, greater exposure, etcetera. And as long as a band does not prioritise money over their artistic vision then they should not be accused of wrongdoing. And the fact is, the majority of people who accuse bands of selling out are just irate at the fact that their music is no longer exclusive to them and the niche audience that they can brag about being a part of. So long as money exists people will always have a reason to accuse a band of being in cahoots with men in black suits. Besides, a lot of landmark albums in specific genres have been released when a band had signed to a major label. A band can't help it if their music appeals to the mainstream, so give them a break. And the only artists who should be accused of selling out are those manufactured by heartless record execs with a fetish for money, not those who set out to be a band and sign to a major to gain greater exposure and the recognition they deserve. At the end of the day, everyone's a sellout anyway: we all support the establishment whether we intend to or not, so don't forget that next time you target another band with the 'selling out' ethos.

Dude 1: God, why are you listening to Green Day? they've totally sold out since signing to Warner Bros. You should listen to the Sex Pistols, at least they're not some commercial wannabe rock band.
Dude 2: You do realise that the Sex Pistols were signed to EMI, Virgin and even Warner Bros. right?
Dude 1: (remains silent)
Dude 2: Exactly... so your 'selling out' arguments a bit naive isn't it?

by Firelovesugar March 8, 2011

selling out

Success/fame or any other kind of personal gain at the cost of credibility; and ANYBODY could be a sellout not just a musician/band. There's things that you get naturally and there's things that require selling out to have. And what sucks more is that you can't go back after you did it.

I don't want to name names so I can't give an example of selling out.

by C.F.C. November 16, 2007

skellington

Popularized by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, but also used in place of skeleton as seen in Scarygoround, a webcomic by John Allison.

Yikes, I just saw a walking skellington!

by Izzabehr September 22, 2005

Selling the bag

Sell out, fumbling, bullshitting, not doing the right thing

“You selling the bag”

by T finesse November 22, 2020

Spelling Bee

On acing spelling tests in junior years of education it is custom to receive sweets.
To reach, "Spelling Bee", status, one must have been so good at spelling that they consumed so many sweets and have now reached a state of obesity.

Ashleigh: Look how big that person is, man, that's insane!
Tony: She must have won the Spelling Bee four years running...

by Jamonite. January 13, 2010

Smelling what I'm stepping in

"are you understanding what I'm saying?"
A slightly earthier term used to confirm understanding between people.

Synonym to Picking up what you're laying down;dig it;catch my drift

Person A:You get me? You catch my drift? You picking up what I'm laying down?
Person B: What?
Person A: (after some thinking) You smelling what I'm stepping in?
Person B; Oh yeah! Totally.

by Xector December 28, 2009

Cornell Spelling Bee

This is a term coined by Demarcus Cousins refering to the David versus Goliath match up of Kentucky and Cornell, or as it was coined by The Boston Globe as the Smart kids versus Dumb Kids.

The reporter asked Demarcus Cousins "Have you heard of that they are calling this game the Smart Kids vs. The Dumb kids?" He replied with "This ain't a Cornell Spelling Bee, this is basketball."

by This Ain't No Spelling Bee March 25, 2010