Short for demonstration, from Latin demonstratio ('a pointing out, showing'), from demonstrare ('to show clearly'), combining de- (intensive) and monstrare ('to show'). The shortened form demo emerged in the 20th century: the music recording sense is attested from 1958 in trade press; the political protest sense developed alongside the mass-movement culture of the 1960s.
What does demo mean?
Demo is short for demonstration and has three main meanings: a live showing of a product or software, a rough preliminary music recording, and (mainly British informal) a public protest or march.
What is a demo in music?
A music demo is a rough recording of a song made to showcase the composition or an artist to labels, producers, or fans. It is usually made before or instead of a full studio production, and can range from a phone recording to a near-professional track.
What is a demo version of software?
A demo version is a limited, trial, or promotional edition of software or a game that lets users try the product before buying. It usually has reduced features or time limits compared to the full release.
What does demo mean in British English?
In British informal English, demo means a public demonstration or protest march — for example, 'an anti-war demo'. This political sense is less common in American English, where 'protest' or 'rally' is preferred.
Can demo be used as a verb?
Yes. Demo works as a verb meaning to demonstrate a product or feature: 'she demoed the new interface to the team'. The past tense is demoed and the third-person singular is demos.