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Shanty: meaning, definitions and examples

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shanty

 

[ ˈʃænti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sea songs

Shanties are traditional work songs sung by sailors and laborers to coordinate their efforts while working. These songs often have a call-and-response structure, making them easy to sing while performing physical tasks. Shanties were used on ships to keep the crew in rhythm while hoisting sails, hauling ropes, and performing other tasks.

Synonyms

sea song, work song

Examples of usage

  • The sailors sang shanties to synchronize their movements while raising the anchor.
  • Listening to shanties helped the laborers keep a steady pace while working in the fields.

Translations

Translations of the word "shanty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barraco

🇮🇳 झोंपड़ी

🇩🇪 Hütte

🇮🇩 gubuk

🇺🇦 халупа

🇵🇱 szopa

🇯🇵 バラック

🇫🇷 baraque

🇪🇸 choza

🇹🇷 baraka

🇰🇷 오두막

🇸🇦 كوخ

🇨🇿 chatrč

🇸🇰 chatka

🇨🇳 棚屋

🇸🇮 baraka

🇮🇸 kofi

🇰🇿 лашык

🇬🇪 ქოხი

🇦🇿 barak

🇲🇽 choza

Etymology

The term 'shanty' is believed to have originated from the French word 'chanter,' which means 'to sing.' Sailors from different nationalities brought their musical traditions onboard ships, leading to the development of sea shanties. These songs not only helped coordinate work efforts but also served as a form of entertainment during long voyages at sea.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,113, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.