Sashayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sashayed

[sæˈʃeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement style

To sashay means to walk in a casual, confident manner, often swaying the hips. This movement is typically characterized by a certain flair and can imply a sense of pride or showmanship.

Synonyms

flounce, prance, strut, swagger.

Examples of usage

  • She sashayed across the stage during her performance.
  • He sashayed into the room, drawing everyone's attention.
  • The dancer sashayed gracefully, captivating the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In the drag queen community, 'sashay' became widely known through the popular phrase 'sashay away' from the reality TV show 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.
  • The term symbolizes self-confidence and flamboyance, especially in performances.
  • It's often used in dance and theater to describe an attention-grabbing movement.

Psychology

  • Research shows that body language, like sashaying, can influence how others perceive confidence and charm.
  • People who walk with a sense of style are often viewed as more approachable and persuasive in social situations.
  • The act of moving confidently can also boost an individual's self-esteem and mood.

Fashion

  • Sashaying is often encouraged on runways to showcase clothing designs in an appealing way.
  • Models are trained to walk with a commanding presence, highlighting the garment's features through their movements.
  • The relationship between movement and style is vital in fashion shows, making the term especially relevant in that realm.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as sashaying often embody themes of confidence and flamboyance.
  • Authors use the word to evoke imagery of gracefulness and allure in storytelling.
  • Sashay can represent more than just movement; it often hints at a character's personality or social status.

Origin of 'sashayed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 's'achayer', which means 'to sway or move side to side'.
  • First recorded in English in the 19th century, it reflects a certain flair in movement.
  • Sashay has been associated with the fashion and dance worlds, emphasizing grace and confidence.

The word 'sashay' originates from the French word 'chassé,' which means 'to chase.' It entered the English language around the early 19th century and was initially used in the context of a dance move. Over time, 'sashay' evolved to describe a stylish or flamboyant way of walking or moving, often associated with a display of confidence or attitude. The term gained popularity in the performing arts, particularly in dance and theater, where a sashay is used to enhance the performer's presence on stage. Today, 'sashay' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a walk that is noticeably confident and stylish.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,866, 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.