noun / verb
scat
Improvised jazz singing using nonsense syllables.
The singer scats over the piano's lively jazz chords.
Etymology
Scat names jazz improvisation using invented or nonlexical syllables. The term's expressive sound fits the vocal technique, though its exact origin is uncertain.
More examples
- Her scat turns a familiar jazz tune into something playful.
- He scatted through the chorus instead of singing the lyrics.
- They practice scatting by improvising syllables over a jazz recording.
Forms
scat · scats · scatted · scatting
Similar words
- vocalize
- Covers singing vowel sounds or syllables without requiring jazz improvisation.