reggae
UK[ˈreɡeɪ]US[ˈreɡeɪ]
n
a style of popular music with a strongly accented subsidiary beat, originating in jamaica.
Etymology
the term 'reggae' emerged in jamaica around the late 1960s to describe a new style of music evolving from ska and rocksteady. its exact origin is debated, but it is widely believed to derive from jamaican creole slang 'rege-rege', meaning 'rags, ragged clothing' or 'a quarrel, a row'. this connection suggests the music's origins among the everyday struggles and vibrant street culture. the word was popularized internationally by the 1968 hit song 'do the reggay' by toots and the maytals, cementing its association with the distinctive rhythmic sound.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from jamaican creole and is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
bob marley is the most famous musician to bring reggae to a global audience.
the steady, offbeat rhythm is a defining characteristic of reggae music.
we listened to classic reggae tracks all afternoon.