cha-cha

American  

[chah-chah] / ˈtʃɑˌtʃɑ /

Also cha-cha-cha

noun

plural

cha-chas

1. a fast ballroom dance of Latin American origin, similar to the mambo, that follows a rhythmic pattern based upon a quick three-step movement.

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verb (used without object)

cha-chaed, cha-chaing

1. to dance the cha-cha.

Etymology

Origin of cha-cha

First recorded in 1950–55; from Latin American Spanish (Cuban) cha-cha-cha, probably imitative of the musical accompaniment

Example Sentences

Judge Craig Revel Horwood praised their cha-cha to 100 Degrees by Kylie and Dannii Minogue, saying it was "absolutely fierce, serving realness, serving fab-u-lous".

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

"Maybe he can get some lessons and go over there. He can't even do the cha-cha; that's the point."

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

And by Thursday, cha-cha, salsa and ballroom music replaced any sense of fear at Lai Lai Ballroom.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2023

Peng, a retired preschool teacher, had taught Goodman how to salsa, rumba, cha-cha and waltz over the five years they had been dance partners.

From Washington Post • Jan. 24, 2023

Mr. Jordan was dancing the cha-cha in front of the room.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi