Sashay: meaning, definitions and examples

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sashay

[səˈʃeɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

dance

To glide, move, or proceed easily or nonchalantly

Synonyms

glide, strut, swagger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sashay	Often used to describe a confident or flamboyant walk, typically by someone who wants to be noticed. Best used in informal or playful contexts. She sashayed into the room, attracting everyone's attention. He sashayed down the runway like a seasoned model.
glide	Describes a smooth, effortless movement, often suggesting grace or elegance. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. The skaters glided across the ice with precision. She glided through the dance floor, catching everyone's eye.
strut	Refers to walking in a proud, confident way, often with an exaggerated display of self-importance or arrogance. Can be used in both neutral and negative contexts. After winning the game, he strutted around the field. She strutted into the meeting like she owned the place.
swagger	Implies walking with a bold, self-assured style, often associated with overconfidence or arrogance. Generally used in informal contexts and can have a negative connotation. He swaggered into the bar as if he was the owner. After his promotion, he walked with a noticeable swagger.

Examples of usage

She sashayed across the dance floor.
He sashayed out of the room with a confident stride.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fashion

A dramatic movement of the hips while walking

Synonyms

hip movement, hip sway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sashay	Can be used to describe a confident and stylish walk, often with exaggerated movements of the hips. It has a showy and flamboyant connotation, suitable for contexts where you want to highlight a dramatic or confident entrance or movement. She sashayed down the runway, turning heads with her confident stride. He sashayed into the room, making a grand entrance that everyone noticed.
hip sway	Used to describe a gentle and rhythmic side-to-side movement of the hips. It often has a smooth and relaxed connotation, typically associated with dancing or casual movement. Her hip sway was captivating, synchronizing perfectly with the music. The dancer's hip sway added a graceful element to her performance.
hip movement	A general term that can refer to any type of movement involving the hips, without any specific emotional or visual connotation. It is often used in a neutral, descriptive manner. During the dance, the instructor focused on improving everyone's hip movement. Good hip movement is essential for performing this type of exercise correctly.

Word

Description / Examples

sashay

Can be used to describe a confident and stylish walk, often with exaggerated movements of the hips. It has a showy and flamboyant connotation, suitable for contexts where you want to highlight a dramatic or confident entrance or movement.

She sashayed down the runway, turning heads with her confident stride.
He sashayed into the room, making a grand entrance that everyone noticed.

hip sway

Used to describe a gentle and rhythmic side-to-side movement of the hips. It often has a smooth and relaxed connotation, typically associated with dancing or casual movement.

Her hip sway was captivating, synchronizing perfectly with the music.
The dancer's hip sway added a graceful element to her performance.

hip movement

A general term that can refer to any type of movement involving the hips, without any specific emotional or visual connotation. It is often used in a neutral, descriptive manner.

During the dance, the instructor focused on improving everyone's hip movement.
Good hip movement is essential for performing this type of exercise correctly.

Examples of usage

She added a sashay to her walk to make it more captivating.
The model's sashay down the runway caught everyone's attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French 's'échapper', meaning 'to escape', which reflects a sense of lightness and freedom in movement.
It gained popularity in the English language in the late 19th century, often used to describe the way people danced or walked with flair.
In some contexts, it has been linked to the Southern American way of expressing oneself outwardly and flamboyantly.

Pop Culture

The term has been used in songs and movies, often to evoke a playful or flirtatious vibe.
Famous drag queens often describe their performances as a sashay, highlighting both movement and poise.
The phrase 'sashay away' became popularized through reality TV shows, especially in the context of eliminating contestants.

Dance

In certain dance styles, 'sashay' refers specifically to a side step or movement that is playful and rhythmic.
It encourages dancers to add personality and character to their movements, enhancing the overall performance.
Sashaying can be seen in ballroom dancing, where the couple displays confidence and connection through their steps.

Psychology

Walking with confidence, such as sashaying, can influence how others perceive your self-esteem and social status.
Research suggests that body language impacts not only how you feel about yourself but also how you are treated by others.
A confident walk can sometimes decrease feelings of anxiety, making individuals feel more at ease in social situations.

Fashion

Fashion shows and modeling often require models to sashay down runways, showcasing both the clothing and their individual style.
The way someone sashays can communicate their attitude and personality, making it a key component in the fashion industry.
Sashaying can also be a form of expression in everyday life, reflecting one's personal style and charm.

Translations

Translations of the word "sashay" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfilar

🇮🇳 चलना

🇩🇪 flanieren

🇮🇩 berjalan dengan anggun

🇺🇦 крокувати

🇵🇱 przechadzać się

🇯🇵 さっそうと歩く

🇫🇷 se pavaner

🇪🇸 pavonearse

🇹🇷 salınarak yürümek

🇰🇷 우아하게 걷다

🇸🇦 يتبختر

🇨🇿 kráčet

🇸🇰 kráčať

🇨🇳 迈步

🇸🇮 korakati

🇮🇸 ganga með stæl

🇰🇿 ойнақтап жүру

🇬🇪 სალაღობო სიარული

🇦🇿 salınaraq gəzmək

🇲🇽 pavonearse

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,457, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

...
40454 opulently
40455 pudendum
40456 tosser
40457 sashay
40458 sweltered
40459 auguring
40460 demotivating
...