fandango

American  

[fan-dang-goh] / fænˈdæŋ goʊ /

noun

plural

fandangos

1. a lively Spanish or Spanish American dance in triple time, performed by a man and woman playing castanets.

2. a piece of music for such a dance or one having its rhythm.

3. (especially in the southwest U.S.) a ball or dance.

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fandango British  

/ fænˈdæŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. an old Spanish courtship dance in triple time between a couple who dance closely and provocatively

2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

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Etymology

Origin of fandango

First recorded in 1765–70; < Spanish, of uncertain origin, perhaps from Portuguese fadango (unattested), from fado fado ( def. )

Explanation

Long before it was a website for buying movie tickets, fandango was (and still is) a seductive Spanish dance for two. You'll want to grab your castanets before you hit the dance floor, because those are required for authenticity as you dance the fandango. A fandango involves a lot of twirling and you'd better be quick, because this triple-time dance is not for dancing novices. Also, it helps to pick someone you're dating or have a crush on, because this is a dance for lovers.

Example Sentences

Haldane branded the months of speculation about potential Budget measures a "fiscal fandango".

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

With its Baroque-flavored organ solo and mysterious opening line - "We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor" — the song became one of the signature tunes of the 1967 "Summer of Love."

From Fox News • Feb. 23, 2022

With its Baroque-flavored organ solo and mysterious opening line – “We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor” — the song became one of the signature tunes of the 1967 “Summer of Love.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2022

It is based on the Mexican fandango Márquez grew up with in Sonora.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2021

"I shouldn't call it fandango," the girl replied.

From Helen Grant's Schooldays by Douglas, Amanda M.