Shimmied: meaning, definitions and examples

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shimmied

 

[ ˈʃɪmi ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

dance movement

To shimmy means to move one's body in a shaking or vibrating manner, particularly the shoulders and hips. This word often describes a lively, spirited dance that involves rapid movements and swaying. The term is frequently associated with the flapper culture of the 1920s, where it became popular in jazz dance. A shimmy can also refer to a playful or teasing movement, often performed in a lighthearted or humorous context.

Synonyms

shake, sway, vibrate, wiggle

Examples of usage

  • She shimmed across the dance floor with excitement.
  • He couldn't help but shimmy to the catchy beat of the music.
  • The children shimmied in joy at the parade.
  • At the party, everyone started to shimmy as the DJ played their favorite songs.

Translations

Translations of the word "shimmied" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sacudido

🇮🇳 झूलना

🇩🇪 geschüttelt

🇮🇩 bergoyang

🇺🇦 похитнувся

🇵🇱 zatrząsł

🇯🇵 揺れた

🇫🇷 secoué

🇪🇸 sacudido

🇹🇷 sarsıldı

🇰🇷 흔들렸다

🇸🇦 هز

🇨🇿 zatřesený

🇸🇰 zatrasený

🇨🇳 摇晃

🇸🇮 zatrešeno

🇮🇸 skekkt

🇰🇿 тербелді

🇬🇪 გადაიქცა

🇦🇿 sarsıldı

🇲🇽 sacudido

Word origin

The word 'shimmy' emerged in the early 20th century, deriving from the American English slang associated with the dance movements popularized during the Jazz Age. It is thought to have roots in previous dance forms, reflecting the vibrant musical culture of the time. The term gained significant popularity in the 1920s, particularly among flappers—young women known for their energetic behaviors and new styles of dance. The shimmy dance became a symbol of female liberation and excitement, paralleling social changes of the era. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of movements and contexts, but it continues to evoke images of lively dance and good times.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,143, 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.