Skanking: meaning, definitions and examples
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skanking
[ ˈskaŋkɪŋ ]
dance style
Skanking is a lively dance associated with ska music. This energetic style involves a series of rhythmic movements combining jumping and kicking, often incorporating arm swings. It is a popular dance seen at ska concerts and festivals.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was skanking to the beat of the ska band.
- The crowd started skanking as soon as the music kicked in.
- He learned how to skank at a local dance class.
dance movement
Skanking, as a noun, refers to the act or style of dancing associated with ska music. It emphasizes a carefree attitude and is characterized by its bouncy rhythm and lively footwork.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The skanking was infectious at the festival.
- Her favorite part of the concert was when everyone started skanking.
- Skanking is a fun way to connect with the music.
Etymology
The term 'skank' originates from the Jamaican Patois, meaning 'to dance' and is closely associated with the ska music genre that developed in Jamaica in the late 1950s. Ska itself is a musical style characterized by a fast tempo, accented offbeat guitar or piano rhythms, and a vibrant brass section. The dance style that accompanies ska music, known as skanking, emerged as a way for dancers to express the energetic and upbeat rhythm of the music. Over the years, skanking has transcended its Jamaican roots, influencing various music and dance cultures worldwide, especially during the ska revival of the 1980s in the UK and beyond. Today, skanking remains a symbol of the joyful and communal spirit found in live music settings, where people gather to enjoy ska bands and participate in this fun dance.