noun Uncommon

Goa

GOH-uh

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Goa (noun) means a style of fast, trance-like electronic dance music built on droning basslines and shifting, hypnotic beats, first popularized at beach parties in Goa, India, in the late 1980s. Example: “The festival's late-night stage was reserved for goa and psytrance DJs.”

noun

A style of fast, trance-like electronic dance music built on droning basslines and shifting, hypnotic beats, first popularized at beach parties in Goa, India, in the late 1980s.

"The festival's late-night stage was reserved for goa and psytrance DJs."

"He discovered goa music at a full-moon party years before it went mainstream."

How to use Goa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pulsing, hypnotic style of electronic dance music that grew out of beach parties in Goa, India.

Common pairings

goa trance a goa party goa DJ

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: goas

Test yourself on “Goa” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The festival's late-night stage was reserved for _____ and psytrance DJs.

Etymology

Named after Goa, the Indian state where this style of trance music took shape among travellers and DJs in the late 1980s.

· First attested 1980

Class of 1980 Goa joined the language around 1980.

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Rhymes for Goa

OA DOA LOA POA boa toa Noa hoa Foa whoa Samoa Genoa

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Goa” mean?

The word “Goa” means a style of fast, trance-like electronic dance music built on droning basslines and shifting, hypnotic beats, first popularized at beach parties in Goa, India, in the late 1980s. In plain terms, a pulsing, hypnotic style of electronic dance music that grew out of beach parties in Goa, India.

How do you pronounce “Goa”?

“Goa” is pronounced GOH-uh (/ˈɡoʊə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Goa” in a sentence?

Here is “Goa” used in a sentence: “The festival's late-night stage was reserved for goa and psytrance DJs.”

What part of speech is “Goa”?

“Goa” is a noun.

Where does the word “Goa” come from?

The word “Goa” dates back to around 1980. Named after Goa, the Indian state where this style of trance music took shape among travellers and DJs in the late 1980s.

Is “Goa” a common word?

“Goa” is an uncommon word in modern English.