mariachi
/ˌmɑɹ.iˈɑ.t͡ʃi/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.81 in modern English
15
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
4
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Of or pertaining to a traditional form of Mexican music, either sung or purely instrumental.
noun
A traditional form of Mexican music, either sung or purely instrumental.
Example Sentences
- "At her first performance with an all-male mariachi, the oldest member said to the musical director,[…](No! I've never played with a woman; I'm not going to start now [my translation])."
- "2004, "Mariachi," entry in Cordelia Candelaria, Peter J. García, Arturo J. Aldama (editors), Encyclopedia of Latino Popular Culture, Volume 2, page 520, Today Plaza Garibaldi near the center of Mexico City is considered the home of mariachis, where mariachi musicians congregate in the plaza, waiting for patrons and tourists to audition them and invite them to perform. […] Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has been considered the premier Mexican mariachi for nearly a century."
- "The mariachis would serenade / and they would not shut up till they were paid."
Etymology
Borrowed from Mexican Spanish mariachi. The origin of the Spanish word is unclear. It has often been claimed to derive from French mariage (“marriage”), reputedly because the Europe-born Emperor Maximilian of Mexico (which France had invaded) encouraged the music to be played at weddings. However, new evidence shows the word to have been used prior to the French invasion. Most other theories suggest indigenous roots. See Wikipedia.
Word Breakdown
- Root: mariachi
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Music.