Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Disco Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💃
Add to dictionary

disco

[ˈdɪskəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A style of dance music popular in the late 1970s, characterized by a strong, bass beat and simple, repetitive lyrics.

Synonyms

dance music, funk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disco

Though it repeats in the input, if the intended meaning is different here, specify that it speaks to the physical venue (a discotheque) where people go to dance to disco and other dance music genres, often during the 60s to 80s.

  • They spent the night dancing at the local disco.
  • The disco was packed with people on Saturday night.
dance music

A broad term that encompasses various genres of music designed specifically for dancing. It includes but is not limited to disco, house, techno, and EDM.

  • He loves electronic dance music and often goes to festivals.
  • Dance music has evolved, but its primary goal remains to make people dance.
funk

A genre that originated in the 1960s, characterized by a strong rhythmic groove, often involving bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums. It laid the foundation for disco and has a distinct sound that focuses on rhythm and groove.

  • James Brown is often considered the godfather of funk.
  • The bassline in this song is really funky; it makes you want to move.

Examples of usage

  • The disco era brought us iconic dance hits like 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees.
  • People would flock to disco clubs to dance the night away.
Context #2 | Noun

place

A nightclub or party venue where disco music is played and people dance.

Synonyms

club, nightclub.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disco

Usually refers to a specific type of dance club that was popular in the 1970s and early 1980s, often associated with disco music and a retro feel.

  • They decided to visit a retro disco to dance to some classic hits.
  • She loves the disco era and dresses up in vintage clothes for themed parties.
nightclub

Similar to 'club', but often used to describe a more upscale or exclusive venue that is open late into the night, featuring live music or DJ performances.

  • They waited in line for an hour to get into the popular nightclub.
  • The nightclub had a strict dress code and a cover charge.
club

A general term for a venue where people go to dance, listen to music, and socialize, not necessarily limited to any particular music genre.

  • We're going to a club downtown to celebrate her birthday.
  • The club was packed with people dancing to the DJ's mix.

Examples of usage

  • We're going to the new disco downtown to celebrate Lisa's birthday.
  • The disco was packed with people having a great time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'disco' comes from 'discotheque', which refers to a nightclub where recorded music is played for dancing.
  • Disco music emerged in the 1970s, blending funk, soul, pop, and salsa influences, transforming the nightlife scene.
  • The first disco hits were played in underground clubs in New York City, with iconic venues like Studio 54 gaining fame.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Saturday Night Fever' helped popularize disco, showcasing both the dance styles and music of the era.
  • Disco fashion included flashy outfits, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes, emphasizing flamboyance and individuality.
  • The disco craze led to the creation of numerous hit songs, many of which are still beloved today, like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'I Will Survive.'

Technology

  • The advent of DJ mixers and turntables revolutionized music at nightclubs, making live mixing and mash-ups possible.
  • Disco contributed to the development of electronic music, leading to genres like house and techno that are still popular.
  • Lighting technology advanced as well, with elaborate light displays and disco balls becoming essential features of nightclubs.

Psychology

  • Dancing to disco music is known to boost mood, enhance social interaction, and promote a sense of community.
  • The rhythmic beats of disco encourage physical movement, which releases endorphins, making people feel happy.
  • Studying the disco phenomenon reveals how music can influence culture and identity, shaping social and personal relationships.

Literature

  • Several novels have explored the suburban youth culture of the disco era, capturing its vibrancy and challenges.
  • Disco has been used as a backdrop in poetry, symbolizing freedom and the joyous spirit of the 1970s.
  • The genre often appears in essays that analyze its cultural impact, providing a lens on societal changes during the 20th century.

Origin of 'disco'

The term 'disco' originated from the French word 'discotheque', which referred to a nightclub where recorded music was played for dancing. The disco music genre became popular in the 1970s, with its distinctive beats and rhythms. Disco culture was known for its glamorous fashion, dance moves, and vibrant nightlife. However, the disco craze eventually waned in the early 1980s with the rise of other music genres. Despite this, disco music remains a nostalgic reminder of a vibrant era in music history.

See also: disc.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,289, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.