honky-tonk
noun/ˈhɒŋki tɒŋk/
/ˈhɑːŋki tɑːŋk/
- [countable] (North American English) a cheap, noisy bar or dance hall
- [uncountable] a type of lively jazz played on a piano
- a honky-tonk piano/singer
CultureHonky-tonk is a type of African Americanragtime music played on a piano whose wires have been changed to give it a high sound. Honky-tonk music was first played at the beginning of the 20th century in the bars and dance halls of New Orleans.
Word Originlate 19th cent.: of unknown origin.
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honky-tonk