honky-tonk
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See also: honkytonk and honky tonk
English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From honk-a-tonk (“a cheap nightclub”), possibly imitative.
Pronunciation[edit]
Noun[edit]
honky-tonk (countable and uncountable, plural honky-tonks)
- (US) A bar or nightclub that caters to Southern patrons and provides country music for entertainment.
- 1969, Shel Silverstein (lyrics and music), “A Boy Named Sue”, performed by Johnny Cash:
- But I made a vow to the moon and stars / That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars / And kill that man who gave me that awful name
- 1975, James Taylor (lyrics and music), “Mexico”, in Gorilla, →OCLC:
- Talking 'bout in Mexico (Mexico) / In a honky-tonk down in Mexico
- (dated) Any cheap nightclub.
- (dated, uncountable) The type of music typically played in such a club.
- (music, uncountable) A style of country music emphasizing traditional country instruments (e.g., guitar, steel guitar and fiddle); a rough, nasal vocal style; and tragic themes such as heartbreak, infidelity and alcoholism often associated with patrons of honky-tonks.
Derived terms[edit]
See also[edit]
Further reading[edit]
- honky-tonk on Wikipedia.Wikipedia