ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tango

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈtæŋɡoʊ// UK //tˈæŋɡəʊ// tan·go Slang

n. a dramatic dance for two people that started in South America. It is famous for its sharp movements and serious, romantic feeling.

n. a ballroom dance of Latin American origin, characterized by marked rhythms, long pauses, and stylized body positions. Often used metaphorically to describe a complex interaction between two parties.


SIMPLE

They are learning the tango for their wedding.

CONTEXTUAL

The couple moved across the floor with the intense focus required for a traditional Argentine tango.

COMPLEX

The diplomatic negotiations were described as a delicate tango, with both nations advancing and retreating in a carefully choreographed display of political willpower.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Rioplatense Spanish tango, probably from a Niger-Congo language (compare Ibibio tamgu (“to dance”)).

Etymology 2

From translingual Tango (representing the letter T), from English tango (see above).

Usage

Countable when referring to the specific dance or a piece of music; uncountable when referring to the dance style in general.

Idioms2 entries

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