What is skiffle? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of skiffle

skifflenoun

ván trượt

/ˈskɪfl//ˈskɪfl/

Where does the word skiffle come from?

The word "skiffle" originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, where it referred to a type of music that mixed American jazz, blues, and calypso elements with traditional Jamaican rhythms. The term skiffle came from the Creole word "eskiya," which described a type of makeshift musical instrument made by scavenging household items, such as cloth, twigs, and nails. Skiffle music became popular in the UK in the 1950s, primarily through the efforts of musician and Broadmoor Hospital escapee, Chris Barber. Barber formed a band called the Jazz Chris Barber Band, which blended traditional New Orleans jazz with elements of American blues, and was soon introduced to the sound of skiffle music by jazz pianist and writer, Marcel Riolfi. Barber expanded his band to include skiffle elements, which ignited a skiffle craze in the UK known as the "skiffle boom." Singer and guitarist, Lonnie Donegan, rose to fame during this time, popularizing skiffle music through his hits "Rock Island Line" and "Putting on the Style." Other notable British skiffle artists during this time included Tommy Steele and Adam Faith. Today, the term "skiffle" has largely fallen out of use as a label for specific music genres. However, its legacy can still be heard in the influences of genres like British folk-rock, such as bands like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, whose music incorporated elements of traditional skiffle rhythms and techniques.

Vocabulary summary skiffle

typenoun

meaningorchestral accompaniment ((see) skiffle

Example of vocabulary skifflenamespace

  • In the 1950s, teenager Chris graduated from listening to the radio to forming his own skiffle band with friends from school.
  • The annual skiffle festival in the town attracted musicians from all over the region, showcasing the unique blend of blues, jazz, and folk music popularized by skiffle in the UK.
  • The old shed in the backyard transformed into a rehearsal space for the skiffle band practicing rhythmic beats and high-pitched melodies.
  • The lead vocalist of the skiffle group, Lily, belted out a classic skiffle number on stage, captivating the audience with her powerful voice and energetic dance moves.
  • The skiffle band's emergence marked a turning point in British music culture, inspiring new genres like rock and roll and paving the way for legendary musicians like John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Synonyms and related words for skiffle


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