Although the origin of the term zydeco is obscure, several intriguing hypotheses abound. According to one explanation, the term is a translation of the word zarico, which meaning snap peas. Other spellings include zarico, zodico, zordic, and zologo. Additionally, the Zydeco Skillet Lickers was the name of a band from the early 20th century. Alternately, it may have originated from the music of the Atakapa, a Native American tribe that interbred with African slaves.
In the meantime, the name is applied to both a music genre and a dancing style that developed in southwest Louisiana. Over 400 years ago, Acadians, Creoles, Native Americans, and African slaves inhabited this region. The mixing of these various civilizations gave rise to the Cajun culture as well as the zydeco music and dance.
The Origins of Zydeco
You could say that, etymologically speaking, the lively style of music known as zydeco is full of beans. According to legend, the term zydeco originates in the lyrics of the renowned Cajun dance number Les Haricots Sont Pas Salés. The song’s title loosely translates to “the beans are not salty,” and les haricots (French for beans) sounds similar to “zydeco” when spoken in French Creole. The term “Zydeco” was originally published in 1960 and has been used to designate this style of music ever since.