boogaloo

American  

[boo-guh-loo] / ˈbu gəˌlu /

noun

1. a genre of Latin music and dance originating in New York City and popular in the 1960s, combining Latin American musical styles with elements of rhythm and blues and other African American music.

2. an improvisational dance style originating in Chicago, popular in African American communities in Oakland and elsewhere in California in the 1960s through 1980s, and being the basis for many later street dance styles.

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Etymology

Origin of boogaloo

First recorded in 1965–70; origin uncertain; possibly an elaboration of boogie ( def. ) or boogie-woogie ( def. )

Example Sentences

After finishing his prison sentence, Loftus will be subject to three years of supervised release, during which he’s not allowed to interact or engage with affiliates of the boogaloo and Three Percenters groups.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2024

Her Grammy-winning solo debut, “iLevitable,” released in 2016, took listeners on a nostalgic journey through the Latin music genres that have inspired her sound — including bolero, boogaloo and Latin big band.

From Washington Post • Mar. 15, 2023

The report outlined possible points of intervention: one when someone tried to search for a boogaloo term, and another when they were about to engage with a piece of boogaloo content.

From The Verge • Sep. 2, 2022

The boogaloo movement is leaderless and inchoate, with different supporters expressing different ideas.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2022

Makes me want to go to New York and boogaloo on a dance floor.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson