boogie

[ boog-ee, boo-gee ]

noun

1. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Black person.
2. boogie-woogie.
3. a lively form of rock 'n' roll, based on the blues.

verb (used without object)

, boog·ied, boog·ie·ing.

1. to dance energetically, especially to rock music.
2. Slang. to go (often followed by on down ):

   We boogied on down to the club to catch the comedy act.

   We're gonna be late—let's boogie.

boogie

/ ˈbuːɡɪ /

verb

1. to dance to pop music
2. to make love

noun

1. a session of dancing to pop music

Word History and Origins

Origin of boogie¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of boogie¹

C20: originally African-American slang, perhaps from Kongo mbugi devilishly good

Example Sentences

Bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry grew up together in Macon, Ga., where they played Southern boogie rock, and moved to Athens to attend college at the University of Georgia.

From Los Angeles Times

Kids squeal and laugh as they dive nose-first into the ocean from their boogie boards.

From Los Angeles Times

He had planned to tour in October and November with Tom Seals's boogie woogie band, but they put it back until 2025 because they could not get the theatre dates they wanted, he said.

From BBC

Another yelled, “cue the music,” and boogied over to her.

From Los Angeles Times

Convention attendees also saw the moves of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who boogied his way to the stage to giggles in the room.

From BBC

Related Words

• drift
• loiter
• meander
• mosey
• ramble
• sashay
• saunter
• stroll
• toddle
• wander