Word: disco (noun)

Associations

"Disco" mainly refers to a style of dance music that became very popular in the 1970s. It is also used to mean a nightclub where people go to dance to disco music.

• "We went to a disco last night and danced all evening." Here, "disco" means a nightclub.
• "She loves listening to disco music because it has a strong beat." Here, "disco" means a music style.
• "The disco ball is shining brightly above the dance floor." Here, "disco" relates to the atmosphere or style of the place. A synonym for disco (the music style) could be "dance music," but disco is more specific, referring to a particular era and style with a steady beat and orchestral sounds. "Dance music" is more general and can include many styles.

Substitution

Instead of "disco," you can say:

• "nightclub" when talking about the place for dancing.
• "dance music" or "dance club" when talking about the music style or place.
• "dance party" if you mean a social event with dancing. Using "nightclub" is more general, while "disco" often has a retro or 70s feeling.

Deconstruction

The word "disco" comes from "discothèque," a French word that originally meant a library of records (discs). Over time, it came to mean a club where recorded music is played for dancing. The root "disc" refers to the vinyl records used to play music. The ending "-o" is a short form that makes the word easier and catchier.

Inquiry

• Have you ever been to a disco or a nightclub? What was the music like?
• What kind of music do you like to dance to? Is it similar to disco?
• How do you think disco music and culture influenced modern music and dance clubs?