What does scatting mean?
Scatting is a form of vocal improvisation most closely associated with jazz. Instead of singing established lyrics, the performer improvises syllables, rhythms, and vocal effects that suggest the sound of instruments such as a saxophone, trumpet, or double bass. It can involve rapid changes of pitch, phrasing, and timbre, as well as wordless sounds designed to imitate instrumental lines. Scatting therefore requires timing, listening, and considerable rhythmic control; it is not simply singing without words. Although the musical sense dominates modern usage, “scat” also has a separate vulgar meaning connected with excrement. In that older sense, “scatting” can refer to defecating, but this use is uncommon and normally marked as vulgar. In musical contexts, scatting is valued for spontaneity, technical skill, and its ability to make the voice sound like an instrumental ensemble.
The act or art of improvising jazz-style vocal sounds, usually with meaningless syllables, that imitate musical instruments.
"The quartet's scatting gave the composition a fresh and playful character."
The sense is established in jazz and popular-music contexts; the separate noun “scat” for excrement is vulgar and unrelated to describing vocal performance.
To improvise a vocal performance using largely meaningless syllables and sounds that imitate musical instruments.
"She began scatting over the rhythm as the band entered the chorus."
This is the usual modern meaning. In a rare vulgar sense, “scatting” can also mean defecating.
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely used.
"The recording contains several extended scattings that explore different jazz styles."
Scatting turns the human voice into an imaginary jazz band: a singer can mimic a saxophone, trumpet, or even a whole rhythm section without using words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scatting come from?
The musical term “scat” emerged in the early twentieth century, particularly in African American jazz performance, to describe improvised, largely wordless singing. Its exact origin is uncertain, and the term was already associated by the 1930s with both jazz singing and a vulgar word for excrement, making its early history difficult to separate. The musical sense developed within the broader African American tradition of vocal improvisation and subsequently became established in jazz worldwide.
Related word forms
How scatting is actually used
The musical sense is especially associated with jazz and improvisational vocal performance. It is normally neutral and appreciative, although some performers use “scat” in the older, vulgar sense of excrement. The separate meaning “to defecate” is vulgar and uncommon.