Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Like singing, dancing is an artistic expression of one’s self. Through the rhythmic movement of the body, people are able to create aesthetic and symbolic dances.
Here below is a list of slang words for dancing. Included are the meanings and examples of how to use them. You may find some of them very creative, historically significant, or maybe even weird. Hopefully, you can utilize them in your daily conversations. Enjoy!
Slang Words for Dancing (in Alphabetical Order)
Boogie/ Boogy
Meaning:
- (Verb) Boogie comes from the African English term “bogi” which means to beat drums. Boogie became synonymous with music and dancing during the rock and roll period of the 50s.
- Example: Despite his weak knees, Grandpa still boogies with Grandma.
Break
Meaning:
- (Verb) To breakdance, an urban acrobatic style of dancing.
- Example: Do you break? You should because you have the skills.
Bust A Groove
Meaning:
- (Verb) This slang phrase means to dance. Popular during the 80s but was revitalized by the Playstation game of the same name. Groove means rhythm.
- Example: You better know how to bust a groove to get into the club.
Bust A Move
Meaning:
- (Verb) Similar to “bust a groove.” “Move” in this sentence refers to the
- Example:
Crunk
Meaning:
- (Verb) To dance in a hip hop and up-tempo style.
- Example: Lucas was just crunking it to some music before he got scolded.
Cut A Rug
Meaning:
- (Verb) To dance in an energetic manner.
- Example: Michael Jackson could amaze the entire concert by just cutting a rug.
Footwork
Meaning:
- (Noun) A professional slang for one’s dancing
- Example: Nice footwork. You might have the potential for pro ballet.
Freak
Meaning:
- (Verb) To dance wildly. This slang is commonly associated with disco dancing that has lots of grinding.
- Example: Jenny was freaking out on the dance floor. She got really tipsy because she had just passed the bar.
Get Funky
Meaning:
- (Verb) To dance wildly, lively, and crazily. Very popular during the 70s and 80s.
- Example: On the dance floor, you need to get funky to attract a date.
Get Your Swerve On
Meaning:
- (Verb) To move or dance in a unique and fun way. This slang is similar to “busting a groove” and was used around the 40s and 50s.
- Example: Get your swerve on! We're partying until the sun is up!
Ghost Ride The Whip
Meaning:
- (Verb) A slang phrase during the 2000s. It means to dance while riding or near a moving vehicle.
- Example: Some people got injured when they were ghost riding the whip and they crashed.
Jack Palance
Meaning:
- (Noun) Based on the American Actor, this Cockney Rhyming slang is used to substitute the word “dance.”
- Example: Robert got up and showed us his Jack Palance, which he used to woo her girlfriend.
Juke
Meaning:
- (Verb) Comes from the “jukebox.” It means to dance in a provocative and daring manner.
- Example: Tracey wanted to juke it at the bar but then her mother came.
Pogoing
Meaning:
- (Verb) To dance in a way that involves a lot of jumping.
- Example: My knees and soles hurt after all the pogoing yesterday.
Rave
Meaning:
- (Noun) A party that involves a lot of wild activities, mainly dancing and drinking.
- Example: We have this tradition of hosting a rave after the finals to relax and celebrate.