I see. It's not a poetry reading or appreciation class - it's a competition. If we have them here I'd guess we would call them "poetry competitions"

Boring, I know, but clear enough.

I see slam as in poetry slam has made the dictionary. The A-H anyway. I wonder if it's related to the use of slam as 'to criticize'.

quote:

I've heard of poetry slams for quite a while now (at least a decade)

Me too. Didn't anyone see So I Married an Axe Murderer?

quote:

Me too. Didn't anyone see So I Married an Axe Murderer?

I'm sure some people must have done - I just wasn't one of them.

I consulted my very hip nephew on this question; he suspects they are called "poetry slams" because it sounds more badass than "poetry recital".

Sounds good to me, neveu.

Since SF is kinda our "badass" city, I can see why neveu and zmj are the only ones here who have heard of poetry slams.