VocabDictionary

zydeco

/ˈzaɪ.dɪˌkoʊ/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A lively style of black American dance music originating in Louisiana, featuring accordion and rubboard.

Example Sentences:
  • The festival featured a phenomenal live band playing traditional Louisiana zydeco.
  • Couples filled the wooden dance floor as the fast-paced accordion rhythms of zydeco filled the night air.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “zydeco”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in south Louisiana in the mid-20th century, the word is an American French alteration of the phrase 'les haricots' (meaning 'the snap beans'), derived from the expression 'les haricots sont salés' ('the snap beans are salty'), symbolizing hardship or a lack of meat. The rhythm of speech in the Louisiana Creole French phrase sounded like 'zydeco' to English speakers, eventually becoming the name of the upbeat musical genre combining blues, rhythm and blues, and indigenous music of the Louisiana Creoles.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'Zippy Dance Company' to remember the fast, lively tempo and dancing associated with zydeco music.

Frequently Asked Questions About “zydeco

1. What is the meaning of “zydeco” in English?

In English, zydeco (noun) is defined as: “A lively style of black American dance music originating in Louisiana, featuring accordion and rubboard.”.

2. How do you use “zydeco” in a sentence?

The festival featured a phenomenal live band playing traditional Louisiana zydeco.

3. What are English synonyms of “zydeco”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “zydeco”?

Originating in south Louisiana in the mid-20th century, the word is an American French alteration of the phrase 'les haricots' (meaning 'the snap beans'), derived from the expression 'les haricots sont salés' ('the snap beans are salty'), symbolizing hardship or a lack of meat. The rhythm of speech in the Louisiana Creole French phrase sounded like 'zydeco' to English speakers, eventually becoming the name of the upbeat musical genre combining blues, rhythm and blues, and indigenous music of the Louisiana Creoles.