disco
disco
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "disco" is /ˈdɪskoʊ/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
dis-: /dɪs/
-co: /koʊ/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: disco
Plural Noun: discos
Verb (base form): disco
Verb (third-person singular present): discos
Verb (present participle): discoing
Verb (past tense/past participle): discoed
Adjective: disco
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A type of popular music that was especially fashionable from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, characterized by a strong, regular beat and prominent bass line, often featuring orchestral instruments and electronic effects, and typically intended for dancing.
Synonyms: funk, soul (in certain contexts), dance music
Antonyms: classical music, folk music, acoustic music
Definition 2: A public entertainment venue or party at which disco music is played for dancing.
Synonyms: nightclub, dance club, discotheque, dance hall
Antonyms: pub, bar (without dancing), lounge, quiet café
Verb
Definition 1: To dance to disco music, often in a free and expressive style.
Synonyms: boogie, groove, jive, dance
Antonyms: stand still, remain seated
Adjective
Definition 1: Relating to or characteristic of disco music or the disco era; having a style, sound, or appearance associated with disco.
Synonyms: funky, groovy, retro, glittering, flashy
Antonyms: modern, contemporary, minimalist, subdued
Examples of Use
Books:
"The band's early sound had a raw, garage rock feel, but by their third album, they had fully embraced the disco rhythms that were dominating the airwaves." (From a biography on a 1970s music group, published 2018)
"She found an old photograph of her parents, impossibly young, at a disco in downtown Manhattan, all flared pants and wide collars." (From a novel set in the late 20th century, published October 2023)
Newspapers:
"Local residents gathered last night for a retro disco party benefiting the community center, with attendees sporting their best 70s attire." (From The Daily Herald)
"Critics are praising the new Broadway musical for its dazzling choreography and its clever incorporation of classic disco anthems into the narrative." (From The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"From Studio 54 to your living room, the enduring appeal of disco music continues to captivate new generations of dancers." (From Pitchfork.com)
"This article explores how disco, far from being just a fleeting trend, played a pivotal role in the evolution of electronic dance music." (From ResidentAdvisor.net)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie Saturday Night Fever (1977), John Travolta's character is deeply immersed in the Brooklyn disco scene.
Television Series: An episode of The Crown (Season 4, 2020) features Princess Diana attending a disco in the early 1980s.
Music Album Title: Discovery by Daft Punk (2001) heavily draws on disco influences in its electronic sound.
Video Game: A mission in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) requires the player to visit a disco to complete an objective.
Podcast: "On our latest episode, we dive into the rise and fall of disco, examining its cultural impact and legacy." (From the podcast "Pop Culture Pulse," January 2025)
General Public Discourse:
"My parents always talk about how much fun they had at the disco back in their day." (Heard in casual conversation)
"I'm going to a disco themed birthday party next month, so I need to find some platform shoes." (Heard in casual conversation)
"That song has such a strong disco beat; you can't help but want to dance." (Comment on a social media platform)
10 Quotes Using Disco
"Disco's are tricky. You look a total wally if you dance too early but after one crucial song tips the disco over, you look a sad saddo if you don't." (David Mitchell, Black Swan Green)
"Disco sucks? You never heard that from me." (John Lydon, Anger is an Energy: My Life Uncensored)
"I'm a sucker for sad disco pop." (Sophie Ellis-Bextor)
"Disco is the first technology music. And what I mean is that 'disco' music is named after discs, because when technology grew to where they didn't need a band in the clubs, the DJ played it on a disc." (will.i.am)
"Disco is music for dancing, and people will always want to dance." (Giorgio Moroder)
"God had to create disco music so I could be born and be successful." (Donna Summer)
"I'm happy to sparkle like a glazed disco ball." (Paloma Elsesser)
"Disco is just jitterbug." (Fred Astaire)
"When I went to high school, in the late 1970s, disco was in full swing and anyone who was into it dressed the part." (Paul Feig)
"I wouldn't be caught dead in a disco." (Ron Mael)
Etymology
The word "disco" is a shortened version of "discotheque."
"Discotheque" itself comes from French, combining "disque" (meaning "disk," like a record) and "bibliothèque" (meaning "library"). So, literally, a "discotheque" was like a "library of records" – a place where records were played.
The first known use of "discotheque" was in the 1940s in France. During World War II, when live music venues were shut down or dangerous, people started gathering in places where they could play records for dancing. These early discotheques were essentially clubs or parties where records were spun instead of having a live band.
By the 1960s, "discotheque" had made its way into English, referring to nightclubs where recorded dance music was played. Eventually, by the early 1970s, "disco" emerged as a shorter, more casual way to refer both to the place and, more importantly, to the new style of dance music that was becoming incredibly popular.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Disco
Disco ball: A mirrored sphere, often found in dance clubs, that reflects spots of light around a room when illuminated.
Disco fever: An intense enthusiasm for disco music and dancing, particularly prevalent in the 1970s.
Hit the disco: To go to a disco or nightclub to dance.
Disco nap: A short nap taken before going out to a disco or party, to ensure one has enough energy.
Boogie down to the disco: To dance enthusiastically at a disco.
Spin some disco: To play disco music, typically by a DJ.
Have a disco inferno: To have an extremely lively and energetic dance party (referencing The Trammps' song "Disco Inferno").
Light up the dance floor like a disco ball: To dance with great energy and flair, drawing attention.
Shake your groove thing at the disco: To dance enthusiastically (using "groove thing" as a colloquialism for one's body/dancing ability).
Dance the night away at the discotheque: To spend the entire night dancing at a club.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of disco from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
