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A type of folk song, calypso is originally from Trinidad but is also sung elsewhere in the Caribbean. The calypso tradition dates to the early 19th century. The subject of a calypso text, which is usually witty and satiric, is an event of political or social importance, and the lyric often incorporates Spanish, Creole, and African phrases. The exaggeration of local speech patterns is matched by an offbeat rhythm. Favorite accompanying instruments are the shak-shak (maraca), cuatro (a string instrument), and tamboo-bamboo (bamboo poles of various lengths struck on the ground), and steel drums.
Examples of calypso in a Sentence
Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024
Black actors such as Theresa Harris and the calypso singer Sir Lancelot have extraordinarily memorable moments of subversive power.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
Caribbean Culture Concert at Freedom Plaza In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this seven-hour celebration on Freedom Plaza includes calypso by the Image Band, reggae from Baltimore’s Strykers Posse, the Pan Masters Steelband Organization, dance performances, poetry and storytelling.
—Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 21 June 2024
Their fusion of roots reggae with an increasingly pop-leaning blend of soul, R&B, dub, calypso, and other dance styles proved a hit both on U.S. radio and in their Jamaican homeland, where the band moved after releasing debut LP Miracles.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 Feb. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Calypso.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calypso. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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