noun
calypso
kuh-LIP-soh/kəˈlɪpsəʊ/
A Caribbean style of music with rhythmic lyrics about current events.
The Trinidadian musicians perform a lively calypso.
Etymology
The name is recorded for West Indian song, but its origin in this musical sense is obscure.
In context
I left Trinidad in 1948, went to London and made my first record. Any good calypso artist compose his own song.
More examples
- Calypso music played during the Trinidadian celebration.
- The song’s witty lyrics followed a calypso rhythm.
- She studied the tradition of social commentary in calypso.
Forms
calypso
Similar words
- soca
- Soca developed from calypso and emphasizes dance rhythm; calypso traditionally foregrounds topical lyrics.