noun
reggae
REG-ay/ˈreɡeɪ/
A style of Jamaican popular music with offbeat rhythms and strong bass.
The band plays reggae with a deep, steady bass line.
Etymology
The music’s name is first recorded in the song title “Do the Reggay.” It may be related to Jamaican rege-rege, meaning a quarrel or protest and literally “ragged clothes,” but that connection is uncertain.
In context
as a rhythm guitarist in reggae what you do is you play a chop you strike down it's a downstroke music
More examples
- She listens to reggae on her way to work.
- The drummer emphasizes the offbeat rhythm in this reggae song.
- Their music blends reggae with jazz and soul.
Forms
reggae
Similar words
- ska
- Usually faster than reggae, with prominent horns and offbeat accents.
- rocksteady
- Reggae's immediate predecessor, with smoother rhythms and prominent vocal harmonies.