bhangra

Where does the word "bhangra" come from? It comes from Punjabi bhangra, and was adopted directly into English (1980s).

Bhangra’s story begins in Punjabi: bhangra meant “a Punjabi harvest dance.” A lively folk dance and music style originating from harvest celebrations in Punjab. It reached English by 1980s as bhangra. A harvest dance of Punjabi farmers, fused with pop by British Punjabi musicians in 1980s Birmingham and Southall. Today, bhangra means a lively style of Punjabi folk music and dance, associated with harvest celebrations.

1. Stage 1 · Punjabi · medieval bhangra "a Punjabi harvest dance", a lively folk dance and music style originating from harvest celebrations in Punjab.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1980s bhangra "a lively Punjabi folk dance and music style", a harvest dance of Punjabi farmers, fused with pop by British Punjabi musicians in 1980s Birmingham and Southall.