CZARDAS

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 24 May 2012

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Word of the Day:

  CZARDAS  (n. pl. -ES)


Definition(s):

1. (n.) an intricate Hungarian folk dance characterized by variations in tempo
2. (n.) music for such a dance

Useful info for word game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: (none)
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: czardasES
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Current theme:

Dance

Epilogue:

The CZARDAS is a traditional Hungarian folk dance that starts out “with a slow, pathetic introduction called lassu” and finishes with a flurry “in a rapid and wild dance called friss or friska” (Harvard Dictionary of Music, 1944).  It is usually performed in traditional dress, including large hoop skirts for women.  The name derives from the Hungarian csárda, the word for a pub, tavern, or village inn — where the dance probably originated as both entertainment and courting ritual.

Other interesting words from Hungarian include:

•  Culinary terms such as GOULASH and PAPRIKA
• Currency from Hungary such as FORINT and PENGO
• Dog names such as KOMONDOR, KUVASZ, PULI, and VIZSLA
• HUSSAR (a cavalry soldier)
• SOUTACHE (an ornamental braid or pattern usually sewn upon fabric)
• TZIGANE (a gypsy)

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