ENGLISH
REFERENCE

doo

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdu// doo

n. a nonsense sound used in music when a singer wants to follow a melody without using real words. It is very common in jazz and pop songs.

n. a vocable or nonsense syllable used in vocal music to carry a melodic line without semantic content. Frequently associated with scat singing or doo-wop backing vocals.


SIMPLE

The singer finished the song with a soft 'doo-doo-doo'.

CONTEXTUAL

The backing vocalists provided a rhythmic foundation by repeating a simple 'doo' pattern behind the lead singer.

COMPLEX

In jazz improvisation, a vocalist might substitute complex lyrics for a series of 'doo' and 'dah' syllables to focus the listener's attention entirely on the melodic and rhythmic phrasing.

Etymology 1

1950s, from child speak.

Etymology 2

Clipping of Skidoo.

Usage

Often used in onomatopoeic strings to represent a bass line or a simple melody.

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