Sambaed

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To dance the lively Brazilian rhythm characterized by quick steps and hip movements ; to perform a series of energetic motions similar to those in a samba ; to move rhythmically and rhythm-driven in a manner resembling the samba dance
2. Engaging in the traditional Brazilian dance involving rapid, syncopated footwork and expressive body action ; exhibiting dance steps or movements inspired by the samba style ; displaying rhythmic, vibrant motion akin to that found in samba performances
3. Participating in a dance marked by fast-paced beats and distinctive swaying typical of samba ; mimicking the characteristic sequences of steps and rhythm of the samba ; executing movements that capture the joyful, fluid essence of samba dancing

Etymology: "Sambaed" is the past tense of "samba" used as a verb, meaning someone danced the samba or moved in its rhythm. The verb is a modern formation: English took the noun from Brazilian Portuguese, and speakers then turned it into a verb by adding the regular "-ed" ending, as they do with most nouns that become verbs. The noun's own origin is uncertain. It is often linked to Kimbundu, a Bantu language of Angola, where "semba" names a dance and a gesture in which dancers bump bellies. Brazil received large numbers of enslaved Africans, many from Angola, so that connection is plausible, but the sources do not confirm the exact route. The Brazilian dance that the noun names developed in Rio de Janeiro's Afro-Brazilian communities, and the English verb simply inherits that association. Because "sambaed" is a regular inflection, the word needs no separate history of its own beyond the noun it comes from.

Synonyms: danced, boogied, shimmied, grooved, twirled