boogy-woogy

A couple dances the boogy-woogy at a lively party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A style of blues piano music: "boogie-woogie" (also spelled boogy-woogy) refers to a fast, rhythmic style of blues piano music characterized by a repeated bass figure (a "walking bass") in the left hand and lively syncopated melodies in the right hand. It originated in African American communities in the early 20th century.
   • A dance: "boogie-woogie" also denotes a lively dance performed to this music, often involving energetic steps and close partner work.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pianist played a lively boogie-woogie that got everyone dancing. (A fast blues piano piece with a driving bass line.)
  • They learned the boogie-woogie at the dance hall last Saturday. (A specific dance style.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play boogie-woogie": to perform this style of piano music.
  • He can play boogie-woogie with incredible speed and precision. (He performs the rhythmic piano style skillfully.)

Variants and Related Words

• Boogie (n/v): a shortened form; refers to the music, dance, or the act of dancing energetically.
  • Let's boogie! (Let's dance energetically.)
• Boogie-woogie piano (n): a specific type of piano playing within the boogie-woogie style.

Synonyms

• Blues piano: a broader category that includes boogie-woogie.
• Rhythm and blues piano: a related style with similar rhythmic drive.

Related Idioms

• "Boogie down": to dance energetically, especially to rock or blues music.
  • At the party, everyone was boogieing down to the band. (Dancing vigorously to the music.)

Notes

• The spelling "boogy-woogy" is a less common variant of "boogie-woogie." Both refer to the same musical style and dance.