Shimmy: meaning, definitions and examples

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shimmy

[ ˈʃɪmi ]

^{Context #1}

dance

A dance move in which the body is shifted from side to side rapidly, typically with the shoulders and hips moving in opposite directions.

Synonyms

jiggle, shake, wiggle

Examples of usage

She did a shimmy across the dance floor.
The shimmy is a popular move in salsa dancing.

^{Context #2}

movement

To shake or wiggle rapidly from side to side.

Synonyms

jiggle, shake, wriggle

Examples of usage

She shimmyed her way out of the tight spot.
He shimmyed up the tree to reach the fruit.

Translations

Translations of the word "shimmy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sacudida

🇮🇳 हिलाना

🇩🇪 Schwanken

🇮🇩 goyang

🇺🇦 тряска

🇵🇱 kołysanie

🇯🇵 シミー

🇫🇷 oscillation

🇪🇸 bamboleo

🇹🇷 sallanma

🇰🇷 흔들림

🇸🇦 تذبذب

🇨🇿 kolébání

🇸🇰 kolísanie

🇨🇳 摇动

🇸🇮 nihanje

🇮🇸 skjálfti

🇰🇿 тербеліс

🇬🇪 ტრიალი

🇦🇿 titrəmə

🇲🇽 bamboleo

Word origin

The word 'shimmy' originated in African-American slang in the early 20th century. It is believed to have derived from the word 'shiver' or 'shimmer', indicating a quick, shaking movement. The shimmy dance move became popular in the 1920s during the Jazz Age and has since been a staple in various dance styles.