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.

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zydeco British  

/ ˈzaɪdəˌkəʊ /

noun

1. a type of Black Cajun music

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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

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

A new score for the ride has also been written in the New Orleans zydeco style, which Disney emphasized as a key part of the new theme.

From Washington Times • Dec. 3, 2022

Lafayette zydeco and blues guitarist Paul “Lil Buck” Sinegal, who recorded and toured with Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco and Rockin’ Dopsie, died June 10, 2019, at age 75.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 30, 2022

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

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi