mariachi

Etymology

Borrowed from Mexican Spanish mariachi. The origin of the Spanish word is unclear. It has often been claimed to derive from French mariage (“marriage”), reputedly because the Europe-born Emperor Maximilian of Mexico (which France had invaded) encouraged the music to be played at weddings. However, new evidence shows the word to have been used prior to the French invasion. Most other theories suggest indigenous roots. See Wikipedia.

adj

1. Of or pertaining to a traditional form of Mexican music, either sung or purely instrumental.
2. Of or pertaining to a band playing such music, or to the singers of such songs.

noun

1. A traditional form of Mexican music, either sung or purely instrumental.
2. A group that plays mariachi music.
   At her first performance with an all-male mariachi, the oldest member said to the musical director,[…](No! I've never played with a woman; I'm not going to start now [my translation]). 2002, Leonor Xóchitl Pérez, “8: Transgressing the Taboo: A Chicana's Voice in the Mariachi World”, in Norma Elia Cantú, Olga Nájera-Ramírez, editors, Chicana Traditions: Continuity and Change, page 151
   2004, "Mariachi," entry in Cordelia Candelaria, Peter J. García, Arturo J. Aldama (editors), Encyclopedia of Latino Popular Culture, Volume 2, page 520, Today Plaza Garibaldi near the center of Mexico City is considered the home of mariachis, where mariachi musicians congregate in the plaza, waiting for patrons and tourists to audition them and invite them to perform. […] Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has been considered the premier Mexican mariachi for nearly a century.
3. A member of such a group.
   The mariachis would serenade / and they would not shut up till they were paid. 1959, “In Old Mexico”, Tom Lehrer (music)