merengue
UK[məˈreŋɡeɪ]US[məˈrɛŋɡeɪ]
n
A type of lively, syncopated music and dance that originated in the Dominican Republic.
n
A dance performed to this music, characterized by a limping step and hip movements.
Etymology
The word 'merengue' entered English directly from Latin American Spanish, where it refers to the music and dance. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but is often suggested to derive from the Haitian Creole 'mereng', possibly related to dances of the same name. Another theory links it to the Spanish word 'merengue', meaning 'meringue' (the dessert), drawing a playful, folk-etymological connection to the dance's light, frothy, or whipped quality. Regardless of its precise source, the term was borrowed intact into English to specifically denote this vibrant cultural art form from the Caribbean.
Analysis
This word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in English. Its internal structure is not based on productive English morphemes.
Examples
The band played a fast-paced merengue that got everyone on the dance floor.
Learning the basic steps of the merengue is quite straightforward.
Her new album blends traditional merengue with modern pop influences.