flamenco etymology

Etymology

  • Spanish: flamenco

Meaning

  • A style of music and dance that originated in Andalusia, Spain, characterized by its expressive singing, passionate dance, and intricate guitar playing.

Origin

The origin of the term "flamenco" is uncertain. There are several theories:

  • North African Influence: Some believe the term may derive from the Arabic word "fellah mengu," meaning "wandering peasant." Andalusia had a significant Arab population, and their influence on flamenco is evident in its rhythms and melodies.

  • Jewish Influence: Others suggest it comes from the Spanish word "flamenco," meaning "Flemish." Sephardic Jews, who fled persecution in Europe, settled in Andalusia and may have influenced flamenco's musical style.

  • Andalusian Origin: Another theory proposes that "flamenco" comes from the Andalusian term "flamenco," referring to the warm, reddish color of the sky during sunset. This color is often associated with the passionate and expressive nature of flamenco.

Historical Context

Flamenco emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries in the Romani (Gypsy) communities of Andalusia. It drew influences from Spanish folk music, Moorish music, and Jewish chant. Over time, flamenco evolved into a distinct and highly expressive art form.

Key Features

  • Soleá: A slow, mournful song form.
  • Bulería: A fast, lively dance form.
  • Guitarra: The main instrument used in flamenco, known for its intricate techniques and passionate playing.
  • Cante: The singing style, characterized by its expressive lyrics and guttural vocals.
  • Baile: The dance style, which combines complex footwork with body movements and hand gestures.

flamenco relate terms

  • flamingo

    Etymology The word flamingo comes from the Portuguese word flamengo which is derive

  • flame

    Etymology The word flame comes from the Old English word fleame which meant a smal

  • flamenco

    Etymology Spanish flamenco Meaning A style of music and dance that originated in An

  • Fleming

    Etymology French Flamand meaning Flemish German Fläming meaning Flemish Dutc

  • Flanders

    Etymology of Flanders The name Flanders derives from the Germanic word flandra which

  • Gypsy

    Etymology The term Gypsy is derived from the medieval Greek word Atsínganos or Athi

  • Egyptian

  • bohemian

    Etymology The word bohemian is derived from the French word bohémien which in turn

  • Romany

    Etymology The word Romany is derived from the Romani word rom meaning man or husb

  • Gipsy

    Etymology The word gipsy is derived from the Middle English term gypcian which itse

  • equity

    Etymology The word equity originates from the Latin word aequitas which means fair

  • warrant

    Etymology The word warrant originates from the Old French term warant which in turn

  • fact

    Etymology The word fact is derived from the Latin word factum which means a thing

  • crisis

    Etymology The word crisis comes from the Greek word krisis which means a turning p

  • architect

    Etymology The word architect derives from the French word architecte which in turn c

  • sacrament

    Etymology The word sacrament is derived from the Latin word sacramentum which origin

  • sphere

    Etymology The word sphere comes from the Latin word sphaera which in turn comes from

  • moonlight

    Etymology of the Word Moonlight The word moonlight is derived from two Old English w

  • tuberculosis

    Etymology Tubercle Latin tuberculum meaning small bump osis Medical suffix deno