fandango

American  

[fan-dang-goh] / fænˈdæŋ goʊ /

noun

fandangos plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fandangos
  plural

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.