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DADA

What Does DADA Mean?

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The Quick Answer

DADA means "Defense Against the Dark Arts" (in the context of Harry Potter). It is also the name of a clothing brand and of an avant-garde art movement.

Defense Against the Dark Arts

image for Defense Against the Dark Arts, showing a classroom

In the context of Harry Potter, DADA ("Defence Against the Dark Arts") is a core subject taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The course focuses on teaching students how to defend themselves against dark creatures, the dark arts, and other dark charms. It is crucial for the development of young wizards and witches, equipping them with the necessary skills to protect themselves and others against dark magic. Over the course of the Harry Potter series, the position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is famously jinxed, with no teacher lasting more than a year in the role.

Clothing Brand

image for Dada as a clothing brand, showing a group of trendy young people.

In the context of fashion, "Dada" is the common name of the clothing brand Dada Supreme. It is known for its urban clothing and footwear, and gained particular popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially within the hip hop community. The brand is notable for its bold designs and was also involved in the production of athletic shoes, making a notable impact in the basketball scene with some player endorsements.

Avant-Garde Art Movement

image for Dada as an Avant-Garde Art Movement, showing a chaotic piece of art

"Dada" is also the name given to an avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, around 1916. It originated in Zurich, Switzerland, as a reaction to World War I and was marked by a profound disdain for conventional aesthetics and cultural values. "Dadaists" used absurdity, irony, and nonsensical elements in their works to challenge the norms of art and society. The movement spread to various cities around the world, including Berlin, Paris, and New York, influencing a wide range of artistic expressions, including visual arts, literature, and performance.

In a modern chat context, "dada" could be used as a reference to the art movement, or metaphorically to describe something that is unconventional, random, or challenges traditional norms. For example:
  • Of course we re going to win! Are you dada or something?!
  • What's wrong with that lot tonight? There all acting a bit dada.

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When I write DADA, I mean this:

meaning of DADA

Dada is also the name of a clothing brand and of an avant-garde art movement.

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

"Defense Against the Dark Arts" is, by far, the most common meaning for DADA when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)
DADA
Definition:Defense Against the Dark Arts
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"Clothing Brand" is another common definition for DADA.
DADA
Definition:Clothing Brand
Type:Word
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Third Definition

"Avant-Garde Art Movement" is yet another common definition for DADA.
DADA
Definition:Avant-Garde Art Movement
Type:Word
Guessability:guessability level 5

5: Extremely difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at DADA

image for academic look, showing a teacher with a mortar board

When used with the meaning "Defense Against the Dark Arts," DADA is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced one letter at a time. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words.

Example of DADA Used in a Text

DADA
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