Glossary, additions

Rebetiko Glossary Discussion about the Rebetiko Glossary
1

rumba (f)

Cuban dance in three-four time, which became popular in the early 20th century ∙ the dancers keep their torsos still and perform steps with an almost imperceptible swaying of the hips.

Rumba < rhumba

swing (n)

Jazz music of the 1930s and 1940s, with a strong rhythm usually played by big bands

[ETYMOLOGY< swing : English oscillation, back-and-forth movement, turn, vigorous rhythmic movement]

giomatári (n)

the wine barrel that has just been opened.

Featured in the song: “Cook the rumba, the swings” (1946)

Fotidas / Tsitsanis / Tsaousakis

«…London and New York do not have

retsina by the barrel…» and in the song title.

2

This means big band, right?

Perhaps the term in English is preferable. Big band refers to a specific type of large orchestra, whereas “large orchestra” simply means a large orchestra of any kind.

3

Oh, what a glaring mistake! As if it could be danced as a waltz…

4

four quarters…………………….

5

Let’s say that the word “rumba” has also entered the vocabulary of modern laïko music, as the name of a rhythm thought to be somewhat akin to the standard rumba, though the pieces in question are not necessarily danced as rumbas.

And “syrtoroumba”, too.

Of course, these are terms used by musicians. I don’t think the word “rumba” is heard in a song with this meaning.

6

the entry rumba (as well as syrtoroumba) seems to be missing from the glossary. Or am I mistaken?