apache1

NOUNplural apaches, plural apaches

A violent street ruffian, originally in Paris.

Example sentences

‘Next on the increasingly baffling agenda comes an apache dance for Bahiyah Sayyed-Gaines and Glenn A. Sims that is not merely gorgeous but also the one authentic moment in the piece.’

‘Although Verastique has only played one gay character - a fierce drag queen who performs an apache dance in Victor / Victoria - he feels that Broadway is becoming more progressive in its attitudes.’

‘Vintage apache depicted a tough guy throwing a woman around the stage.’

‘They whirl out of the clinch, as in an apache dance.’

‘Their battle is an apache dance, the black throwing the blond to the floor, the blond locking his legs around his opponent.’

‘Variete de Variete is more decorated, filled with allusions to recognizable dance forms - a tango, an apache dance - with even the hint of a specific milieu.’

Origin

Early 20th century: French, from Apache, by association with the reputed ferocity of the North American Indian people.

Pronunciation

apache/apaʃ//əˈpaʃ/

Main definitions of apache in English: apache1Apache2

Apache2

NOUNplural apaches, plural apaches

1A member of a North American people living chiefly in New Mexico and Arizona. Under the leadership of Geronimo, the Apache were the last North American Indian people to be conquered by the European settlers.