Scotch snap

noun

1. music a rhythmic pattern consisting of a short note followed by a long one Also calledScotch catch

Word History and Origins

Origin of Scotch snap¹

C19: so named because it is characteristic of, though not exclusive to, Scottish dance music, esp that for strathspeys

Example Sentences

The New York critic Henry Krehbiel gave a sneak preview in the Tribune the day before the premiere, arguing that it projected a truly American character through its blend of ethnic musical traits like the folky, syncopated “Scotch snap” and “the mood inspired by the contemplation of Indian legend and romance.”

From New York Times

The set’s concluding Gavot takes on Scottish bagpipe colors, with some wrong-note grace notes in the opening drone and plenty of Scotch snap rhythms .

From Washington Post

Marcello Panni conducts with a Scotch snap.

From Time Magazine Archive

The "Scotch snap" is a constant rhythmic device, the old scale and the old Scottish cadences seem to be native to his heart.

From Project Gutenberg

The third consists of the mannerism known as the “Scotch snap,” and is a rhythmic device which probably originated in that trick of jumping from one register of the voice to another, which has always had a fascination for people of simple natures.

From Project Gutenberg