Cakewalking: meaning, definitions and examples
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cakewalking
[ ˈkeɪkˌwɔːkɪŋ ]
dance competition
Cakewalking originated as a dance performed by African American slaves in the Southern United States. It was initially a mockery of the formal dances of white plantation owners and involved high-stepping, exaggerated movements, and a competitive aspect. The term has also come to describe any easy or effortless task, likening it to the simplicity of a cakewalk. Over time, cakewalking has been incorporated into various cultural performances and celebrations. It is now recognized as an important historical and cultural art form.
Synonyms
breeze, easy task, piece of cake.
Examples of usage
- The cakewalking competition was the highlight of the festival.
- They practiced their routine for weeks before the cakewalking event.
- During the celebration, a cakewalking contest was held in the park.
- The community center hosted a charming cakewalking evening.
Translations
Translations of the word "cakewalking" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dança do bolo
- fácil
- moleza
🇮🇳 केक चलना
- आसान
- साधारण
🇩🇪 Kuchenlauf
- einfach
- Mühelosigkeit
🇮🇩 berjalan kue
- mudah
- sederhana
🇺🇦 танець з тортом
- легко
- безтурботно
🇵🇱 ciasto spacer
- łatwe
- proste
🇯🇵 ケーキウォーク
- 簡単
- 楽勝
🇫🇷 marche du gâteau
- facile
- simple
🇪🇸 paseo del pastel
- fácil
- simple
🇹🇷 pasta yürüyüşü
- kolay
- basit
🇰🇷 케이크 워크
- 쉬운
- 간단한
🇸🇦 المشي على الكعكة
- سهل
- بسيط
🇨🇿 koláčová chůze
- snadné
- jednoduché
🇸🇰 koláčový pochod
- ľahké
- jednoduché
🇨🇳 蛋糕步行
- 简单
- 轻松
🇸🇮 pohodna hoja
- enostavno
- lahko
🇮🇸 kökuganga
- auðvelt
- létt
🇰🇿 кекс жүрісі
- оңай
- қарапайым
🇬🇪 კექსის სიარული
- მარტივი
- საშუალო
🇦🇿 kek yürüşü
- asan
- sadə
🇲🇽 paseo del pastel
- fácil
- simple
Etymology
The term 'cakewalk' dates back to the 19th century and is associated with the African American culture in the United States. Originally, cakewalking referred to a dance performed during slave gatherings on Southern plantations, where participants would perform for a prize, often a cake. This dance was characterized by a series of high steps and exaggerated movements, providing a humorous parody of the dances of European Americans. The origins of the term highlight the rich cultural contributions of African Americans to American music and dance. As the cakewalk gained popularity, it began to appear in minstrel shows and broadway performances, further entrenching its place in American popular culture. By the late 1800s, the cakewalk had evolved from its roots in slavery to a celebrated performance art, showcasing agility and flair, while simultaneously serving as a subtle critique of the social norms of the time.