capoeira

Where does the word "capoeira" come from? It comes from Tupi kaa'puera, passing through Portuguese before entering English (1900s).

Capoeira’s story begins in Tupi: kaa'puera meant “cleared bush land.” Possibly referring to cleared forest land where the art form developed. By 1700s-1800s, the word had taken hold in Portuguese as capoeira. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, blending dance, music, and martial arts. It reached English by 1900s as capoeira. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, disguised as dance; recognized by UNESCO in 2014. Today, capoeira means a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.

1. Stage 1 · Tupi · medieval kaa'puera "cleared bush land", possibly referring to cleared forest land where the art form developed.
2. Stage 2 · Portuguese · 1700s-1800s capoeira "a Brazilian martial art and dance", developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, blending dance, music, and martial arts.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s capoeira "a Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, and music", developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, disguised as dance; recognized by UNESCO in 2014.