Shakira was actually paying homage to her Arabic roots with her 'tongue meme'
It's called the Zalghouta and it's culturally significant.
Arab America defines the zalghouta as "a form of a long, wavering, high-pitched vocal sound representing trills of joy." Typically, the sound is made by women, and performed during moments of emotional highs, both good and bad: Weddings, parties, celebration, funerals, and, yes–Super Bowl performances, suggests GQ Middle East.
Shakira's father is Lebanese. In this instant, she was likely paying homage to her culture, just as J.Lo shouted out her Puerto Rican heritage during her half of the performance.
The Latina superstar co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and offered up plenty of moves including a rope dance and some guitar playing.
