Groovy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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groovy

[ˈɡruːvi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

music

Fashionable and exciting; excellent. Used to describe music, especially in the context of the 1960s and 1970s.

Synonyms

chic, cool, hip, trendy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
groovy	Use 'groovy' when describing something that is stylish or fashionable, often associated with the 1960s or 1970s. It has a retro feel and is often used in a fun or nostalgic way. That new coffee shop has a really groovy vibe! She's wearing a groovy outfit straight out of the '70s.
cool	'Cool' is a versatile word used to describe something or someone as fashionable, impressive, or socially admired. It's casual and widely used among all age groups. He’s got a cool new car. That’s a really cool idea!
hip	'Hip' is similar to 'cool' but often implies being in tune with the latest trends and fashions. It can be associated with being modern and in-the-know. This new restaurant is quite hip. She's always wearing the most hip clothes.
trendy	'Trendy' refers to something that is currently very popular or fashionable. It typically implies following the latest trends, sometimes excessively. Those shoes are very trendy right now. He likes to keep up with trendy music.
chic	'Chic' is used to describe something elegantly and stylishly fashionable. It is often associated with sophisticated fashion or interior design. Her chic dress turned heads at the party. The hotel has a very chic lobby.

Examples of usage

That song has a groovy beat to it.
The concert last night was really groovy!
I love listening to groovy tunes from the 70s.
The groovy vibes at the party were contagious.
The band played some groovy tunes that got everyone dancing.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Having a pleasing and harmonious rhythm or pattern.

Synonyms

appealing, captivating, harmonious, pleasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
groovy	Commonly used in informal or slang contexts to describe something fashionable, cool, or excellent, often with a retro vibe from the 1960s or 1970s. That music is so groovy! / She's wearing a groovy dress tonight
harmonious	Primarily used to describe things that are pleasingly consistent or in agreement. Often used in contexts relating to music, relationships, or design. They live in a harmonious relationship / The colors of the painting are very harmonious
pleasing	Used to describe something that gives pleasure or satisfaction, often in a manner that is comfortable or agreeable. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts. The results of the project were very pleasing / The garden has a pleasing aesthetic
captivating	Best used to describe something that holds your attention completely and is very charming or enchanting. Often used in artistic or romantic contexts. Her performance was absolutely captivating / You have a captivating smile
appealing	Used to describe something that attracts interest or is pleasant to look at. It can be applied in more formal or general settings. The dessert menu looked very appealing / His proposal was quite appealing to the investors

Examples of usage

The groovy pattern on the wall was mesmerizing.
She decorated her room with groovy colors and designs.
The dance routine had a groovy flow to it.
The artist's paintings are known for their groovy style.
The groovy architecture of the building attracted many visitors.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

'Groovy' originated in the jazz scene during the 1920s, where it referred to a smooth or enjoyable experience.
By the 1960s, the word became popular with the rise of counterculture, especially among hippies and musicians.
The phrase 'in the groove' was used to describe a band playing well together, with 'groovy' as a natural extension.

Pop Culture

The word 'groovy' became a hallmark of the 1970s, heavily featured in music, fashion, and film, especially through the disco movement.
Television shows like 'The Brady Bunch' and movies like 'Austin Powers' popularized the term, leading to its lasting association with 'hip' culture.
Famous musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead, incorporated the term into their lyrics, cementing its place in music history.

Music

In music, a 'groove' refers to a rhythmic feel or pattern, which is fundamental to many genres, especially funk and soul.
Groovy tunes are often characterized by syncopated beats and bass lines that make you want to move.
The concept of a 'groovy' sound can also refer to a relaxed, pleasant musical experience that evokes positive emotions.

Linguistics

'Groovy' is an example of slang, which reflects cultural shifts and societal changes in language usage.
Slang like 'groovy' often becomes widespread through music and youth culture, creating connections between generations.
The evolution of the word reveals insights into changing perceptions of coolness and social identity over the decades.

Psychology

Words like 'groovy' can have a significant emotional impact, often stimulating feelings of nostalgia for those familiar with the era.
The use of such terms in modern contexts can invoke a sense of belonging and community among fans of retro culture.
Psychologists note that using upbeat language can positively affect mood and social interactions, enhancing the overall 'groovy' vibe.

Origin of 'groovy'

The term 'groovy' originated in the jazz culture of the 1920s, where it was used to describe music with a strong rhythmic quality that inspired movement or dancing. It gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s during the hippie counterculture movement, where it became associated with the idea of being cool, fashionable, and free-spirited. The word continues to be used today to describe anything that is trendy, exciting, or harmonious.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,376, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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36373 digressed
36374 engulfment
36375 encrustation
36376 groovy
36377 bluffed
36378 exorbitantly
36379 nerdy
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