Yodel

/ˈjoʊdəl/ verb

Definition

To sing with a distinctive style where the voice quickly switches between normal singing and a high falsetto sound.

Etymology

From German 'jodeln,' possibly from 'jo' (a call) combined with Alpine vocal traditions. Became popular through Swiss and Tyrolean mountain culture.

Kelly Says

Yodeling was originally a practical communication method in the Alps—shepherds on different mountain peaks would yodel to 'call' each other across impossible distances before radios existed. It became music by accident!

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