Shantying: meaning, definitions and examples
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shantying
[ ˈʃæn.ti.ɪŋ ]
music style
Shantying refers to the practice of singing sea shanties, which are work songs utilized by sailors during their tasks aboard ships. This form of music is characterized by a strong rhythmic structure that allows sailors to coordinate their movements while performing hard labor, such as hauling ropes or raising sails. Sea shanties often have repetitive and easily remembered lyrics, making them conducive to group singing. The tradition of shantying is deeply rooted in maritime culture and reflects the experiences of sailors on long voyages.
Synonyms
maritime song, sea shanty, work song.
Examples of usage
- They gathered on deck for some shantying.
- The ancient tradition of shantying resounded through the harbor.
- Shantying created a lively atmosphere while they worked.
- The concert featured traditional shantying from the age of sail.
Translations
Translations of the word "shantying" in other languages:
🇵🇹 canto de marinheiro
🇮🇳 शैती
🇩🇪 Shanty
🇮🇩 lagu pelaut
🇺🇦 шанті
🇵🇱 shanty
🇯🇵 シャンティ
🇫🇷 shanty
🇪🇸 shanty
🇹🇷 shanty
🇰🇷 샨티
🇸🇦 شانتينغ
🇨🇿 shanty
🇸🇰 shanty
🇨🇳 海员歌
🇸🇮 shanty
🇮🇸 shanty
🇰🇿 шантинг
🇬🇪 შანტი
🇦🇿 şanti
🇲🇽 shanty
Etymology
The term 'shanty' originates from the French word 'shanter', meaning 'to sing'. It was adopted into English in the early 19th century to describe the work songs that sailors sang to synchronize their efforts while performing various tasks on ships. These songs often addressed themes of the sea, life at sea, and the camaraderie among sailors. The practice of shantying became particularly popular in the age of sail, when ships required large crews to manage operations. Shanties were typically sung in a call-and-response format, allowing a lead singer to establish a rhythm that the crew would follow. As time went on, the style of shantying and its songs evolved, sometimes incorporating elements of folk music from different cultures encountered by sailors during their voyages. Although shantying has diminished in practice with the advent of modern machinery, it remains an iconic aspect of maritime history and is still celebrated in folk music and sailing communities today.