How Do You Spell CANCAN?

Pronunciation: [kˈankan] (IPA)

The word "cancan" is a French dance characterized by kicking movements. Its spelling follows the French pronunciation of the word, which is /kɑ̃.kɑ̃/. The "a" with a tilde over it (ã) indicates a nasalized "a" sound. In English, the word is commonly spelled with two separate "cans" (can-can), but the original French pronunciation and spelling use only one "cancan." This spelling reflects the two distinct parts of the word ("can" repeated twice) and the nasalized vowel sound in the first syllable.

CANCAN Meaning and Definition

  1. The noun "cancan" refers to a lively French dance characterized by high kicks, performed by a group of dancers, usually women. Originating in the 19th century, the cancan gained popularity in Parisian cabarets and music halls. It is a fast-paced dance style involving rapid leg movements, jumps, and acrobatics. The dancers are often adorned in feathered costumes and petticoats, adding an element of flamboyance and extravagance to the performance.

    The cancan is renowned for its exuberant and playful nature, showcasing the dancers' agility and flexibility. The choreography typically includes a series of kicks and high leg lifts, often culminating in a signature move where the dancers kick their legs high in the air with precision and synchronization. The dance is accompanied by energetic, upbeat music that adds to the overall liveliness of the performance.

    As a cultural icon, the cancan has transcended its French origins and influenced various art forms, including films, theatre, and other dance styles. It has become synonymous with the cancan dancers' vibrant and seductive image, symbolizing the spirit of Parisian entertainment and the joie de vivre associated with French culture.

    In a broader sense, "cancan" can also refer to any lively or scandalous event, resembling the spirit and energy of the original dance.

Common Misspellings for CANCAN

Etymology of CANCAN

The word "cancan" originated from French, specifically from the expression "faire le chahut du cancan" which translates to "to make a fuss" or "to create a commotion". The word "cancan" itself emerged in the early 19th century as a noun for a type of lively and provocative dance performed by women in Parisian cabarets. The dance, known for its high kicks and petticoat flashing, was considered scandalous at the time. The etymology of the word itself is unclear, but it is believed to be an onomatopoeic term derived from the sound of the repetitive steps and high-pitched calls performed during the dance.

Similar spelling words for CANCAN

Plural form of CANCAN is CANCANS

Conjugate verb Cancan

CONDITIONAL

I would cancan
we would cancan
you would cancan
he/she/it would cancan
they would cancan

FUTURE

I will cancan
we will cancan
you will cancan
he/she/it will cancan
they will cancan

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cancanned
we will have cancanned
you will have cancanned
he/she/it will have cancanned
they will have cancanned

PAST

I cancanned
we cancanned
you cancanned
he/she/it cancanned
they cancanned

PAST PERFECT

I had cancanned
we had cancanned
you had cancanned
he/she/it had cancanned
they had cancanned

PRESENT

I cancan
we cancan
you cancan
he/she/it cancans
they cancan

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cancanned
we have cancanned
you have cancanned
he/she/it has cancanned
they have cancanned
I am cancanning
we are cancanning
you are cancanning
he/she/it is cancanning
they are cancanning
I was cancanning
we were cancanning
you were cancanning
he/she/it was cancanning
they were cancanning
I will be cancanning
we will be cancanning
you will be cancanning
he/she/it will be cancanning
they will be cancanning
I have been cancanning
we have been cancanning
you have been cancanning
he/she/it has been cancanning
they have been cancanning
I had been cancanning
we had been cancanning
you had been cancanning
he/she/it had been cancanning
they had been cancanning
I will have been cancanning
we will have been cancanning
you will have been cancanning
he/she/it will have been cancanning
they will have been cancanning
I would have cancanned
we would have cancanned
you would have cancanned
he/she/it would have cancanned
they would have cancanned
I would be cancanning
we would be cancanning
you would be cancanning
he/she/it would be cancanning
they would be cancanning
I would have been cancanning
we would have been cancanning
you would have been cancanning
he/she/it would have been cancanning
they would have been cancanning

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: