What does sashaying mean?
Sashaying means to walk or move with a swinging, often conspicuous or self-confident movement of the hips. The word is especially associated with stage performers, models, and other people whose movements form part of a public display, but it can apply more generally to anyone moving in a showy way. Its tone varies with context: it may be neutral or admiring when describing graceful, confident movement, and humorous or derogatory when describing exaggerated showmanship. Because “sashay” can mean both the physical action and the attitude it conveys, the word often suggests a degree of self-consciousness or theatricality as well as motion. The present form, “sashaying,” is especially natural before another noun, as in “sashaying hips,” and in sentences that emphasize an entrance or walk. It is less suitable when the intended meaning is simply to stroll casually or move without conspicuous movement.
verbTo move or walk with a swinging, often showy or self-confident movement of the hips. It can describe a deliberate, graceful display or, more critically, a conspicuous performance.
- To move or walk with a swinging, showy movement of the hips.
- To behave or move with conspicuous, self-assured showmanship.
"She sashayed across the stage in a gown that swept the floor behind her."
"The models sashayed along the runway as the audience applauded."
"Rather than entering quietly, he sashayed into the room, attracting everyone's attention."
Sashaying turns the simple act of walking into a performance in which the hips take the lead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sashaying
Sashaying is the present participle of sashay, a verb recorded in English by the early 17th century. The verb was borrowed through French from an older word associated with sitting, settling, or positioning oneself, from which the sense of moving loosely or swaying developed. Modern English uses it chiefly for movement characterized by a swinging or showy action of the hips.
Related word forms
How sashaying is actually used
The word is commonly neutral or mildly approving when it describes a graceful performance, but it can sound critical or mocking when used of exaggerated, ostentatious behaviour. It often conveys movement of the hips as well as a confident attitude.