Several theories exist as to the etymology of the word "kabuki", one being that it is derived from those who, oddly dressed and swaggering on the street, had been dubbed (from , "to lean in a certain direction", and , "people"). Another possible origin is , which means "slanted" or "strongly-inclined." In either case, others labeled 's troupe performances "kabuki" due to their eccentricity and social daring. The earliest performances of kabuki were dancing and song with no significant plot, often disdained as overly sexual and cacophonous, but equally lauded as colourful and beautiful.