WordGarden.iosashay
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈæʃeɪ/
US
- /sˈæʃeɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to walk or move with a stylish, swaying, self-assured manner
to perform a sideways or gliding step in a dance, especially a square dance
Beyond the definition
Imagine a peacock showing off its feathers: that gives you the feeling of sashay. It is not just walking; it is walking with confidence, style, and a playful sense of show. The word came from the French dance step chassé, but in modern English it often brings to mind fashion, drag performance, and ballroom culture. It describes a walk that draws attention. Think of a movie star making a grand entrance. Someone might sashay into a room, down a hallway, or across a stage. The idea is simple: the person is not merely moving from one place to another; they are making an entrance.
To sashay means to walk in a confident and showy way, often with a playful sway or a stylish sense of drama. The term goes back to the French dance step chassé, which entered English in altered form in the 19th century. Over time, however, the word took on a broader and livelier meaning. In modern use, it is strongly linked with fashion, drag culture, and ballroom culture, where a walk can be a form of performance, identity, and self-expression.
Although it may suggest a runway walk or a dance-like step, sashay is now often used more loosely for any walk that looks confident, graceful, or attention-getting. If you say that someone "sashayed into the room," you suggest that they entered with clear style and immediately drew notice. The word can also be used a little more freely for movement in general, but it is most natural when it refers to the way a person walks or enters a place.
The word carries a sense of boldness, self-confidence, and sometimes playful defiance. It is about more than getting from one place to another; it is about how you do it. A famous example appears in RuPaul's Drag Race with the line "Sashay away!," which turns even leaving the stage into a stylish performance. In the end, if someone is sashaying, they are not just walking; they are moving in a way that makes people look.
Examples
- 1
Fashion show
The model sashayed down the runway in silver heels.
- 2
Party entrance
At the party, Lena sashayed over to our table and introduced herself.
- 3
Office entrance
He sashayed into the office after lunch as if deadlines didn't exist.
- Patternsashay into + place
enter in a relaxed, showy way
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sashaynounverb