Word
scat
US/ˈskæt/
UK/skˈæt/
Definition
n. a type of jazz singing where the singer makes sounds like 'doo-wop' or 'bop' instead of singing real words. It is a fun, rhythmic way to play music without lyrics.
n. a style of vocal jazz characterized by the use of nonsensical syllables and rhythmic vocalizations to mimic instrumental improvisation. Often used as a verb to describe the act of performing such vocalizations.
Examples
“The singer spent the whole night scatting on stage.”
“While the band played a fast-paced jazz tune, the lead vocalist began scatting to keep up with the rhythm.”
“The evolution of scat singing in the early twentieth century allowed jazz vocalists to break free from traditional lyrics and explore the full range of human vocal expression as an instrument.”
Examples
simple
“The singer spent the whole night scatting on stage.”
contextual
“While the band played a fast-paced jazz tune, the lead vocalist began scatting to keep up with the rhythm.”
complex
“The evolution of scat singing in the early twentieth century allowed jazz vocalists to break free from traditional lyrics and explore the full range of human vocal expression as an instrument.”