fandango
[fan-dang-goh]
- a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance in triple time, performed by a man and woman playing castanets.
- a piece of music for such a dance or one having its rhythm.
- (especially in the southwest U.S.) a ball or dance.
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Origin of fandango
From Spanish, dating back to 1740–50, of uncertain origin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for fandango
Historical Examples
The band has had a fandango with your people and lost some men.
The Rifle RangersCaptain Mayne Reid
How fortunate that he had discovered her secret at this time; just before the fandango.
When Dreams Come TrueRitter Brown
She had heard the Methodists were having a fandango down in the valley.
The Transformation of JobFrederick Vining Fisher
After it was finished, and the table removed, a fandango was begun.
After a pause of a few seconds, the people rose, and the fandango went on as before.
The TownLeigh Hunt
fandango
- an old Spanish courtship dance in triple time between a couple who dance closely and provocatively
- a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance
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Word Origin
C18: from Spanish, of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for fandango
n.
mid-18c., lively Spanish dance, the word of unknown etymology [OED says "alleged to be of negro origin"], perhaps related to fado. Fado is lovely, but not lively, so perhaps the link, if any, is thematic. But the late date argues against it.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper