How to pronounce zydeco
Say it like ZY-duh-koh. Zydeco has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zydeco. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZY
- duh
- koh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zydeco pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of zydeco
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: ZY-dih-koh.
What does zydeco mean?
- A form of Louisiana Creole music, characteristically performed by accordion and washboard bands, that combines Cajun and Creole roots music with elements of African-American music.
Where does zydeco come from?
From Louisiana Creole zydéco, compare French zarico; possibly from a metanalysis of French les haricots (“beans”) as French le zarico (“beans”) in a dance-tune title.
Questions about saying zydeco
How do you pronounce zydeco?
Say ZY-duh-koh. The American pronunciation is /ˈzaɪdəˌkoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈzaɪdɪˌkəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zydeco?
Zydeco has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZY). Broken into parts: ZY · duh · koh.
Is zydeco pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈzaɪdɪˌkəʊ/ (ZY-dih-koh).