What+is+a+Mash-up?

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A mash-up is when two or more separate entities are combined - in part or in whole - to create a hybrid that doesn't necessarily have to resemble the content or functionality of its original parts. However, usually it's essential for the parts to contribute in their own unique ways, or else why use them for the mashing? One early example of mash-ups are from the dawn of the rap music era, when artists would sample existing recordings and add particular loops to their own music.

Think of Reese's Cups... "two great tastes that taste great together", or that old jingle from the Oreo commercials... "ice cold milk and an Oreo cookie, they forever go together, it's a classic combination", etc.

In other words, mash-ups are like eating, but with more technology involved.

[|Wikipedia] has three separate explanations of mash-ups (how's that for irony?): [|What is a Music Mash-up?] [|What is a Video Mash-up?] [|What is a Web Application Mash-up?] Some of the legal issues are touched upon in these articles, as well.