Why is a paradiddle called a paradiddle? I know what it means; I just need to know the origin of the word.?

Answer 1

I looked up the word and the dictionary says that the word is probably of "an imitative origin" since it's a pattern of drumbeats characterized by four basic beats and alternating left-handed (L) and right-handed (R) strokes on the successive primary beats (thus alternating LRLL and RLRR).
History of these words (if taken apart):
"para" (means beside, beyond) spoken by people of Greece starting about 1000 B.C
"diddle" (to move with short rapid motions) unknown origin. In percussion, a diddle consists of two consecutive notes played by the same hand (either RR or LL).

Answer 2

Per AskOxford
paradiddle
/parrdidd’l/

• noun Music a simple drum roll consisting of four even strokes.

— ORIGIN imitative.

The Origin implies exact beginnings are difficult to arrive at as it is an imitative art form and most likely evolved as a practice in many locations simultaneously and is therefore simply part of the art in it's truest form.

Answer 3

what's a paradiddle