zydeco

American  

[zahy-di-koh] / ˈzaɪ dɪˌkoʊ /

noun

1. a blues-influenced type of Cajun dance music popular in Louisiana and Texas, and usually played on accordion, guitar, and violin.

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zydeco British  

/ ˈzaɪdəˌkəʊ /

noun

1. a type of Black Cajun music

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Etymology

Origin of zydeco

1955–60, said to represent Louisiana French les haricots in the dance-tune title Les haricots sont pas salés

Example Sentences

In the distance we hear trails of zydeco, and as we come around a bend we’re greeted by an outsize, gregarious alligator, his welcoming green arms swinging to the tune.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2024

In it she blends marital strife, Louisiana’s zydeco, a phantom named Becky and more in a sonic and visual gumbo fans didn’t realize they were starving for.

From Washington Post • Feb. 6, 2023

Another annual event is the market’s own Mardi Gras celebration in mid-February, with live blues and zydeco as well as Louisiana-style food.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2023

Lafayette zydeco and blues guitarist Paul “Lil Buck” Sinegal, who recorded and toured with Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie, died June 10, 2019, at age 75.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2022

Music came from the bars, zydeco and high-tide blues.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi