Blues
/bluːz/noun
A genre of music rooted in African American communities, typically marked by expressive vocals, repeated phrases, and characteristic harmonic patterns.
Did you know?Before “blues” named a musical genre, “blue devils” described feelings of depression or melancholy, possibly linking the color blue with sorrow and supernatural gloom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“To shine, flash, or appear bright; a proposed ancient root connected with several color and fire words.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*blæwaz
“Blue-colored; the source of the Germanic color word.”
Old French
Old French
bleu
“Blue; borrowed from a Germanic source.”
Middle English
English
blew
“Blue; the common Middle English form of the color word.”
18th Century
English
blue devils
“A phrase for melancholy, depression, or oppressive gloomy feelings.”
19th Century
African American English
blues
“A musical style expressing sorrow, hardship, longing, and emotional intensity.”