Word of the day: SASHAY

Pronunciation: sa·shay  UK/ˈsæʃ.eɪ/  US/sæʃˈeɪ/

Meaning

'Sashay' means to move with a relaxed, graceful, and stylish confidence, often in a way that draws attention without seeming to try too hard.

Origin and History

The word "sashay" comes from the French word "chassé," which means "to chase". It originated as a mispronunciation of the French ballet term for a gliding step, which was then adopted into English and began to appear in print in America around 1836.

As the chassé became popular in 19th-century America, the pronunciation and style transformed naturally into the lively and expressive sashay.

Cultural significance and modern usage

Ballroom and ballet: The movement remains fundamental in many dance forms, symbolising elegance, rhythm, and flow.

Drag and LGBTQ+ culture: The word gained iconic status through drag performance, where “sashaying” refers to a bold, confident runway-like walk. Reality shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race made “Sashay away” globally famous.

Fashion and pageants: Sashay is often associated with catwalks and fashion shows, describing a poised, dramatic stride.

Pop culture: In movies and music videos, a character “sashaying” signals confidence, glamour, or a playful attitude.

Interesting facts

  • The word 'sashay' was once used humorously in the American West to describe people swaggering into saloons.
  • The movement involved one person sidestepping forward and the other sidestepping backward, essentially a sideways do-si-do.
  • Today, "sashay" is often used metaphorically to describe moving with an air of self-confidence, nonchalance, or impudence, even when the physical act of walking itself isn't exaggerated.
  • In the late 1800s, cowboys would say someone “sashayed into the saloon” to poke fun at people who entered too proudly or showily.

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Examples from Literature

  • Even Ma would join in, sashaying across the floor, but when I joined in I looked so odd and stupid they fell to the floor laughing. - The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
  • When it was time for communion, there was such sashaying and swaying of hips to the altar rail you’d have thought they were offering their body and blood, not receiving His.- In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Synonyms

  • Excursion
  • Tour
  • Walk
  • Jaunt

Antonyms

  • Run
  • Rush
  • Speed
  • Sprint
  • Hurry

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