Conga
/ˈkɒŋ.ɡə/noun
A Cuban dance and its associated rhythm, or a tall, narrow drum used for that music.
Did you know?Conga entered English from Cuban Spanish, and its deeper origin is uncertain, but it is strongly tied to Afro-Cuban musical culture rather than any single ancient “secret” root.
Etymological Timeline
19th-20th Century
Spanish
conga
“A Cuban dance, rhythm, or drum associated with carnival and popular music.”
Early 20th Century
English
conga
“Borrowed into English for the dance and later the drum.”
Cuban Spanish
Spanish
conga
“Name used in Cuban music and dance traditions.”
Uncertain origin
?
conga
“The deeper etymology is unclear; scholars have proposed African and other local sources, but no consensus exists.”
Explore more surprising origins