fandango

American  

[fan-dang-goh] / fænˈdæŋ goʊ /

noun

plural

fandangos

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.

---

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

---

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.

Example Sentences

Badenoch said that when she had visited the country when her father died, she had to get a visa, which was "a big fandango".

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2025

With its Baroque-flavored organ solo and mysterious opening line - "We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor" — the song became one of the signature tunes of the 1967 "Summer of Love."

From Fox News • Feb. 23, 2022

With its Baroque-flavored organ solo and mysterious opening line – “We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor” — the song became one of the signature tunes of the 1967 “Summer of Love.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2022

It is based on the Mexican fandango Márquez grew up with in Sonora.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2021

As Corianton and Seantum entered the saloon, a pretty dark-eyed girl was executing a sort of fandango to the evident delight of a number of young men sitting or lounging promiscuously about the room.

From Corianton A Nephite Story by Roberts, B. H.