Definition

1. Noun:
   • A lively ballroom dance that resembles the samba: A specific style of dance originating from Brazil, characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements, often performed as a couple in ballroom settings.
   • Music composed for dancing the carioca: The musical genre or piece of music that is specifically written to accompany the carioca dance.
   • A native or inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro: A person who is from or lives in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dance):
  • They performed an energetic carioca at the international dance competition.
  • Learning the basic steps of the carioca is fun.
• Noun (Music):
  • The band played a classic carioca from the 1930s.
  • This album features several tracks of traditional carioca.
• Noun (Person):
  • As a proud carioca, she loves the beaches of Rio.
  • The carioca explained the local customs to the tourists.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Context: The term is deeply tied to Brazilian, specifically Rio de Janeiro's, cultural identity. Referring to someone as a emphasizes their connection to the city's unique lifestyle, accent, and culture.
  • He has the cheerful and relaxed attitude typical of a carioca.

Variants and Related Words

• Carioca (adjective): Pertaining to Rio de Janeiro or its inhabitants.
  • The carioca carnival is world-famous.
• Cariocas (plural noun): The plural form for multiple natives/inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro.
  • The cariocas celebrated their team's victory.

Synonyms

• For the dance: Latin ballroom dance, Brazilian dance.
• For the person: Rio native, resident of Rio de Janeiro.

Noun

1. a lively ballroom dance that resembles the samba
2. music composed for dancing the carioca
3. a native or inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro