milonga

Meaning

1. A form of music originating in Argentina, Uruguay and Southern Brazil
2. A dance which accompanies this music

Translations

milonga

milonga

Etymology

Cognate with Kimbundu: mulonga

Cognate with Kongo: nlonga

Cognate with Punu: mulonga

In summary

Borrowed from Spanish milonga, in turn from Brazilian Portuguese milonga (“chant”). Theories connect the word to the nineteenth century slave trade between South America and Africa. The ultimate source is unknown, but may relate to Kimbundu mulonga (“word”), or Kongo nlonga or Punu mulonga (“line, row”) in reference to dancers.