twerk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twerk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to dance, particularly when referring to a specific style of dance characterized by rhythmic hip movements. Example: "At the party, everyone started to twerk when the DJ played the latest hip-hop hits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From a promoter's point of view, it's hard to imagine a more fortunate moment to be involved with a twerking-centered show: "twerk" became a household word just last month, after Miley Cyrus's sexy-demon-Teddy-bear dance at the MTV Music Video Awards, when what seemed like every available media outlet rushed to explain to baffled viewers, "She's twerking".

The New Yorker

Prosecutors said the "erotic and sexual twerk dance" was disrespectful to the memory of those who fought in the second world war.

The Guardian

She is placed front and centre in a fur coat, while two black women twerk behind her on a truck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pop performers – male and female – are often exploited by managers and record companies, but I don't believe that Cyrus is being forced to twerk by her handlers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seated and buckled, we're given a rather pessimistic safety briefing ("if you hear the words 'brace brace' we are crashing and we're all going to die") and told that if mirror-balls fall from the ceiling then we should twerk ourselves into an early grave.

The Guardian - Music

The term "twerk" was first name-dropped in popular music in DJ Jubilee's 1993 song Do The Jubilee All.

The Guardian - Opinion

twerk, verb: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.

The Guardian - Books

I'm carefully managing my urge to twerk all the time, I probably smoke, come from a "broken home" and it's likely I'm homophobic.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the dance's popularity spread across America in nightclubs and strip clubs, an increasing number of hip hop and R&B artists starting encouraging their audiences to twerk it, from the Ying Yang Twins (Whistle While You Twurk) and Lil Jon (Get Low) to Timbaland (in Justin Timberlake's Sexyback) and Beyonce (Check On It).

The Guardian - Opinion

To twerk or not to twerk may be the zeitgeist question, but whatever answer you come up with, you're still telling women how they should present their own bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the mid-1990s, we see evidence of twerk being used online in newsgroups to describe a specific type of dancing.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “twerk” in modern contexts, such as describing dance trends or music culture. For older historical periods, consider using descriptive phrases that accurately convey the movements without using contemporary slang.

Common error

Avoid using "twerk" in formal or professional contexts where a neutral or serious tone is required. Its strong association with sexuality and pop culture can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "twerk" is as a verb, describing the action of performing a specific type of dance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is considered correct and usable in written English. It also functions as a noun, referring to the dance itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "twerk" functions primarily as a verb describing a sexually suggestive dance, but also as a noun referring to the dance itself. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's crucial to consider the context and audience when using it due to its informal nature. As Ludwig examples show, the usage is mainly related to News & Media. Alternatives like "gyrate one's hips" or "dance provocatively" may be more appropriate in formal settings. When writing, be mindful of the word's connotations and the potential for misinterpretation. While "twerk" has become a recognized term, it's essential to ensure it aligns with the tone and message of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do the twerk

A more explicit but still slightly different phrasing.

gyrate one's hips

Focuses on the hip movement aspect, suitable when the specific dance isn't crucial.

shake one's booty

Informal and emphasizes the buttocks shaking aspect of the dance.

thrust hips rhythmically

Highlights the thrusting motion of hips when dancing.

dance provocatively

Highlights the suggestive nature of the dance, applicable to various styles.

dance in a sexually suggestive manner

Formal and emphasizes the suggestive nature of the dance.

move suggestively

A more general term that can encompass twerking, focusing on the suggestive nature of the movement.

undulate

Describes a wave-like motion, capturing a part of the essence of twerking.

perform a hip-shaking dance

Describes the action of twerking in a less colloquial manner.

wiggle one's bottom

Informal and humorous, focusing on the movement of the buttocks.

FAQs

How can I use "twerk" in a sentence?

You can use "twerk" to describe a dance move, as in "She started to "twerk" when her favorite song came on" or to talk about the dance style itself, such as "The popularity of "twerk" grew after the music video was released".

What does it mean to "twerk"?

"Twerk" refers to a dance involving sexually suggestive twisting or gyrating hip movements and a low, squatting stance. It gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s.

What can I say instead of "twerk"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gyrate one's hips", "shake one's booty", or "dance provocatively".

Is "twerk" considered a slang term?

Yes, "twerk" is considered a slang term, although it has gained widespread recognition and acceptance in popular culture and dictionaries. It's generally used in informal settings.