conga line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “conga line” mean?
A linked line of people where each person holds the hips or shoulders of the person in front, moving in a rhythmic, often snaking pattern, typically to music.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A linked line of people where each person holds the hips or shoulders of the person in front, moving in a rhythmic, often snaking pattern, typically to music.
A figurative term for any situation where people or things follow one another in a single-file sequence, often mindlessly or in a predictable, uninspired manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal dance/party activity is common in both cultures. The figurative, pejorative use (e.g., in business/politics commentary) is slightly more prevalent in American English.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with party games, weddings, and festive group activities. US: Retains festive association but has a stronger secondary connotation of unoriginal, sheep-like behaviour in media/critical discourse.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, with a slight edge in US English due to its use in political/corporate satire.
Grammar
How to Use “conga line” in a Sentence
[People/Group] + formed/joined/danced in + a conga lineThe + conga line + snaked/wound + [around/through Place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conga line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to conga line around the pub garden.
American English
- The fans conga-lined through the parking lot after the win.
adjective
British English
- It had a real conga-line feel to it.
American English
- The meeting turned into a conga-line of compliments for the boss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The marketing department just produced a conga line of nearly identical proposals." (Pejorative: implying lack of originality.)
Academic
Rare. Might appear in cultural studies analysing group behaviour or ritual.
Everyday
"At the wedding, the kids started a conga line that went right around the hall."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conga line”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conga line”
- Using 'conga' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'We congaed line' instead of 'We danced in a conga line').
- Confusing it with a simple queue.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and most common use refer to a festive dance, it is often used figuratively to criticise any situation where people or things follow each other mindlessly.
Yes, informally. For example, 'We conga-lined through the streets.' However, 'danced in a conga line' is more standard.
A queue (UK)/line (US) is for waiting, usually static. A conga line is for dancing or moving rhythmically in a chain, often in a winding path.
It can be dismissive or pejorative, implying a lack of independent thought. It is not generally considered culturally offensive towards the dance's Cuban origins when used in its standard senses.
A linked line of people where each person holds the hips or shoulders of the person in front, moving in a rhythmic, often snaking pattern, typically to music.
Conga line is usually informal, figurative in register.
Conga line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒŋ.ɡə ˌlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːŋ.ɡə ˌlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(like) a conga line of [something negative: e.g., failures]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONGA, a Cuban drum, and a LINE of people. The rhythm of the drum makes the LINE dance.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A DANCE (specifically, mindless conformity is a pre-choreographed group dance).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, describing a series of reports as 'a conga line of bad news' implies: