Twerk or Twerking is an English word, considered a contraction of the term footwork (a dance style focused on the movement of the feet) or formed from the joining of the words "twist" (twist, rotate) and "jerk"(idiot, imbecile). In other words, it means "squirming like an idiot".
Other hypotheses suggest that the expression originated from the union of words trick (trick) and work (work).
The twerk is used to designate a popular dance style in a sensual way, with hip movements.
The word twerking is used when running the twerk, since in the English language the suffix ing is usually used to designate something that is being done at that very moment.
Example: "Just wait till they catch their daughters twerking to this song" or "Twerk it girl, work it girl".
The Origin of Twerk
O Twerking it has been part of black culture for a long time, but only in recent years has the mainstream media started to recognize and accept it.
The origins of twerking can be found in Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa, where a similar dance style known as
Mapouka, was originated. Dancing has been around for centuries and consists of a series of hip movements. This dance is also prevalent in reggae culture and dancehall.The mainstream media began to focus more on this style of dance when American singer Miley Cyrus performed at the Video Music Awards (VMA) of MTV, with a performance of twerk.
See also the meaning of:
- Hip hop;
- Zumba;
- Kizomba.