THE FIRST WORD

fandango

PRONUNCIATION:

(fan-DANG-go) 

MEANING:

noun:
1. A lively Spanish dance in triple time.
2. A piece of music for this dance.
3. A foolish or silly behavior, act, or thing.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Spanish, of uncertain origin. Earliest documented use: 1766.

USAGE:

"Going through this ridiculous fandango of chicken and blackmail again is the height of irresponsibility."
Norman Ornstein; Extending Debt Limit Past Elections is Right Path; Roll Call (Washington, DC); Jul 27, 2011.