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.

---

zydeco British  

/ ˈzaɪdəˌkəʊ /

noun

1. a type of Black Cajun music

---

Etymology

Origin of zydeco

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

---

Explanation

Zydeco is a type of music you might hear if you spend time in Louisiana — it's fast and lively, primarily played on accordions, and extremely easy to dance to. Zydeco evolved from a traditional black Creole music sometimes called "la la music," influenced by African and Caribbean traditions as well as blues. It was invented to be dance and party music, incorporating energetic rhythms and portable instruments including fiddles and washboards as well as accordions. One guess about the etymology of zydeco attributes it to the Creole French phrase les haricots ne sont pas salés, literally "the snap beans aren't salty," and figuratively "times are hard."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zydeco

The zydeco band is a delight, with details in not just what instrument an animal plays but how they play it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2024

Perhaps his most notable discovery in Louisiana was Clifton Chenier, who became known as the leading exponent of the mix of rhythm and blues, soul and Cajun music known as zydeco.

From New York Times ● May 10, 2023

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

Running from June 16-19, the festival will occupy three venues and feature performances of zydeco, classical, Italian, jazz and Brazilian music.

From Seattle Times ● May 20, 2022

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

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---