| 释义 |
calypso|kəˈlɪpsəʊ|
Pl. -os.
[Origin unknown.]
A West Indian ballad or song in African rhythm, usually improvised to comment on a topic of current interest. Also attrib. Hence calypsonian |kælɪpˈsəʊnɪən|, an entertainer who composes and sings calypsos.
1934A. Huxley Beyond Mexique Bay 18 A Calypso Tent..is..a tin roof on posts—in which..the local talent assembles to rehearse certain songs composed against the coming of Carnival. Ibid. 19 The tunes to which these songs are sung is always some variant of an old Spanish air called Calypso; the words are home-made and topical. Ibid., The singers..call themselves ‘Calypsonians’. 1938Times 26 May 17/6 ‘Calypso’ songs (as they are curiously called), to judge from examples perhaps too discreetly chosen, are mere doggerel, and the music, if it does more than beat out the rhythm, is the most commonplace jazz. 1955Times 28 Jan. 9/6 Calypso is a form of doggerel lampoon composed and sung to a guitar, often extempore... A Calypsonian both composes and accompanies his songs. 1957Observer 24 Nov. 10/6 The calypso is a commentary. It seeks to tell of an event which has made an impression on the singer. |