cancan

[ kan-kan ]

noun

1. a lively high kicking dance that came into vogue about 1830 in Paris and after 1844 was used as an exhibition dance.

cancan

/ ˈkænˌkæn /

noun

1. a high-kicking dance performed by a female chorus, originating in the music halls of 19th-century Paris

Word History and Origins

Origin of cancan¹

1840–50; < French, repetitive compound (based on can ) said to be nursery variant of canard duck; canard

Word History and Origins

Origin of cancan¹

C19: from French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

It built a reputation for hosting whirlwind nights and extravagant shows, and its dancers played a paramount role in bringing the frenzied style of the modern cancan dance to the mainstream.

From New York Times

It is relatively quiet — Picasso would also paint cancan dancers, but not now — a suave, sophisticated crowd painted by an artist who understood its fashions, body language and interpersonal connections perfectly.

From New York Times

Arquette talks about the Apple TV+ comedy series in which she plays a former addict and cancan dancer who decides to become a private investigator.

From Los Angeles Times

Though she’s happy enough with her job as a costumed cancan dancer in a Wild West theme park, necessity drives her toward a new career: private investigator.

From Los Angeles Times

When Mr. Disney noticed the modification shortly before the ride was to open in New York, Ms. Davis recalled, he asked her why she had put long pants on cancan dancers.

From New York Times