Pronunciation: [ɹɪkˈə͡ʊ ɹɪkˈə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "reco reco" is pronounced /ˈrɛkəʊ ˈrɛkəʊ/ and is often spelled incorrectly as "raco-raco". The correct spelling stems from its Portuguese roots, where it is spelled "reco-reco". It is a percussion instrument often played in Brazilian samba music, and its name mimics the sound it produces. Using the correct spelling helps to preserve the cultural heritage and authenticity of the instrument and its use in music.
Reco reco is a musical instrument that originates from Brazil and is commonly used in traditional samba and choro music. It is classified as an idiophone, specifically a friction idiophone, as it produces sound through the frictional movement of a stick against a ridged metal surface.
The reco reco consists of a hollow wooden or metallic cylinder, containing closely spaced ridges or notches on one or both sides. A player holds the instrument firmly in one hand and moves a wooden stick or metal rod across the ridges. The friction created by the stick rubbing against the ridges produces a unique rasping or scraping sound. The player can vary the pitch and tone of the reco reco by adjusting the speed and pressure of the stick's movement.
The reco reco is often played as an accompanying instrument in samba and choro ensembles, providing a distinctive percussive texture to the music. Its rhythmic patterns can create a pulsating groove that enhances the overall rhythmic drive of the music. In traditional settings, more than one reco reco can be played simultaneously, layered to create more complex and intricate patterns.
Beyond its musical applications, the term "reco reco" is also sometimes used in colloquial Brazilian Portuguese to describe a scraping sound or action unrelated to the musical instrument. It can be used metaphorically to describe the sound of someone scratching a surface or to refer to a repetitive or irritating action.
The word "reco reco" is a term derived from Portuguese and is used in various countries, particularly in Brazil. It comes from the Portuguese word "reco-reco", which refers to a musical instrument.
The term "reco-reco" is believed to have originated from the onomatopoeic sound produced by the instrument when it is played. The reco-reco is a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow tube or a notched piece of wood, which is scraped with a stick, creating a rhythmic sound.
Over time, the term "reco-reco" has also been used to describe the rhythmic sound or a rubbing motion similar to the instrument's sound. Hence, "reco reco" is used to refer to a variety of things, including the instrument itself, the scraping sound, and even a slang term meaning a light scratching or tickling sensation on the skin.
