noun
popular music; vulgar music
Refers to music that is considered lowbrow, common, or lacking refinement. Often carries a negative or dismissive tone, contrasting with high art or classical music.
彼は俗調を軽蔑し、クラシックだけを聴く。
He despises popular music and only listens to classical.
その曲は俗調と見なされ、批評家に無視された。
That piece was regarded as vulgar music and ignored by critics.
Compound of 俗 (ぞく, 'vulgar, common') and 調 (ちょう, 'tone, melody'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely emerged to describe music considered lowbrow or unrefined.