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Zumba

The origin and history of Zumba.

Etymology

A trademarked name created in the 1990s by Colombian dance instructor Beto Pérez. He originally wanted to call the workout "rumba," but that name was already taken by the Cuban music style, so he settled on the invented, similar-sounding "Zumba" instead.

· First attested 1990

Class of 1990

Zumba first entered the language around 1990. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1990 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.